Where to Find Emma
Instagram: @bpdbrain & @bpd_diaries_suriving
About Emma
EG: I'm 35, a professional dancer (retired), now working as a Sales Trainer (I know so random!) I've actually also been a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and recruiter. Having BPD is like living life on a rollercoaster, I'm like a chameleon, hence why I can adapt to different jobs but I also leave and change jobs following a repetitive cycle and that's exhausting to live like that. I'm on my path to recovery and have just started my DBT therapy. I want to help spread awareness and break the stigma.
Mental Health
HS: Describe your mental health experience.
EG: I struggled with my BPD for most of my life, although it wasn't recognized at all in the UK when I was a teenager, so I was diagnosed with depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder for several years until I met my husband and he encouraged me to get a 2nd opinion. I was 30 when I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It's not easy and every day is a battle but I keep going. I've been at rock bottom so many times in my life but I have also had amazing times and I always dust myself off and get back in the race.
HS: If you yourself suffer from a mental illness, how do you deal with it each day? What are some of the methods you use?
EG: I have finally found access to DBT (dialectical Behavioural Therapy) specifically for BPD or those who struggle with emotional regulation. I have had years of CBT but I find DBT focuses on emotions and behaviors and helps you make real changes. BUT it takes practice and I've only just begun, I am currently learning how to be more mindful. For me I have been on medication for so long I no longer have extreme anger episodes, suicidal thoughts, etc. It's more the dreaded numb feeling and dissociation. The crippling anxiety is the worst, I feel it every day some days more some less but it's always there. The thing is with BPD you could be feeling on a high in the morning and by the afternoon in the depth of despair because e.g. you made a small mistake at work. It's like my world is ending..but now I'm trying to find my wise mind and gain perspective of my emotions.
HS: What does mental health mean to you?
EG: It is such a big part of my life, my dad, sister, and brother all suffer with mental illness...but although there has been some heartbreaking moments, we have been able to help each other through.
HS: Why are you or why do you want to be an advocate for mental health?
EG: I want to help break the stigma which I and billions of other people out there are facing every day...yes the media talks about it but people in the real world still don't get it or call us "dramatic" or "attention-seeking". I want to show the world that we are so much more than our mental illness we are not "psycho", we can actually be really loyal friends and lovers, very empathetic and compassionate. And eventually, with the right medication/therapy we can and do get better. I want to help others see they can recover and share my journey.
HS: How are you trying to end the stigma of mental health?
EG: By sharing my BPD recovery journey and giving honest insight facts and more including IGTV Series following my therapy sessions. I'm also really proud to be an Ambassador for The Monologue I think it's so inspirational to be able to read everyone's story.
HS: Why should mental health be talked about within the community?
EG: There is a lack of education still, especially at schools and the workplace, it would also be beneficial to perhaps have talks by mental health professionals at work. In the UK, there is just not enough funding for the NHS mental health...there are a lot of people on the waiting list, people need access to therapy without having to pay a fortune.
HS: What are other resources you use to learn more about mental health?
EG: DBT Marsha Linehan Skills book.
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