Borderline Idealist – BPD & Introvert Life

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**New episodes Sunday** AJ shares his experience with BPD, anxiety, and depression along with his husband Cris. Together they discuss their relationship's special challenges, mental health issues, and their lives as introverts. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/borderlineide…

AJ the INFP


    • Oct 10, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 172 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Borderline Idealist – BPD & Introvert Life

    Stop! - DBT skill song

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2021 6:09


    A song to help you use the STOP skill to the tune of "Stop," by Spice Girls! Music, video, acting, directed and produced by Aj! More song on the way! Lyrics: PERSON: I've heard you talk about the stop skill but I can never use it AJ: why? PERSON: I just can't remember to use it! AJ: well I have a fun way that can help you to remember it! PERSON: really? Okay! AJ: it's a song that came up with. PERSON: okay! AJ: and I'm going to have to sing right now so... PERSON: .. Oh no thank you AJ: Too late! Let's say: Someone just walked in, They make you frown, For some reason you don't think they like you. It's how your friends are charmed away, Distracted from what you were saying. Trying to stay grounded but those strong feelings, Makes you want to show them how bad your feeling, Youre Lost in a daze, The stranger steps your way, With a smile, asking how you're doing? You're angry from being pushed aside, You want to run out of the room and cry, That feeling so intense, Recognize when you're about to lose it. PERSON: Okay, so that's when I... STOP right now! Take a step back, Observe your surroundings, what your feeling, Find the facts? Proceed now mindfully. Don't go overreactioning, So you won't regret a thing. La la la la Remember feelings don't last forever La la la la If you use stop things will turn out better. You feel angry like you've been deserted, But acting out right now just isn't worth it, You're right to feel the emotions you do, But resist the thrill of getting even! Acting on them Consider being wise beyond your years, Recall the times you went apeshit on peers, Never makes you look too good, When you're telling everyone you didn't get what you deserve! STOP right now! Take a step back, Observe your surroundings, what your feeling, What are the fact? Proceed now mindfully. Don't go overreactioning, So you won't regret a thing. When you feel, Eyebrows arching, Temperature rising, Hands clenched, Arms stiff, You know it's time to stop that ship!

    Is it rude to be assertive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 72:12


    Being assertive means having the ability to speak up for ourselves in a way that is honest and respectful. You have the right to express your view point and the responsibility to speak up. In this episode, we discuss finding and practicing your assertive voice. We reenact Aj being assertive and Cris shutting down, and both our viewpoints on how we view the situation and respond.

    Gamify Good Habits

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 57:39


    AJ has tried many methods to find—but most importantly maintain—the motivation to accomplish many of his long and short term goals. Over the years, he's struggled with setting goals and seeing them through, staying on task, or simply not feel overwhelmed by his tasks. When he's failed, he's riddled with feelings of guilt and disappointment, which overtime turn into depression and a sense of hopelessness. We're excited—and a little nervous—to talk to you about a new system that has truly made a big difference in the first week of implementation. Today, we're talking about a new app called Habitica. We hope this honest discussion about goals, failure, and perseverance, will inspire you to get back up, dust yourself off, and try a new approach.

    Coughlin: Music & Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2021 79:45


    We're excited to sit down with musician Coughlin to talk about his experience in the music industry and his commitment to mental health awareness. Go to Coughlin's Instagram to Pre-Save his upcoming single, "Ridin" as heard in the intro of this episode. www.instagram.com/coughlinmusic

    ridin coughlin music mind
    C-PTSD & Structural Dissociation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 47:58


    Learn about complex post-traumatic stress disorder with us, and a common symptom called structural disassociation common with people with BPD.

    Confronting Childhood Trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 34:37


    Come along with us on our morning walk! — Negative self-talk has always been in my mind passed down to me by my father. After having a discussion with him I realized I don't need his approval to succeed and we are now estranged. It took almost 30 years of my life to realize he never knew the real me, but saw me as a commodity just like my mother. I decided not to be used by them anymore to take control of my life. Healing doesn't mean forgiving, It means telling yourself that you were not responsible for what happened. It wasn't you, it was them. Now it's time to be responsible for yourself. -AJ

    Healing from old wounds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 16:16


    My self-esteem is in the gutter. I didn't realize how bad it was. I'm haunted by expectations and perfectionism.My positive self-talk is there, but sometimes the negative voices win. So, I'm beginning a journey to reprogram myself so I'm not always playing the villain. I want to motivate myself not to belittling myself, but build myself up! -AJ

    Mental Health + BPD Awareness Month

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 41:58


    May is mental health awareness month, and also BPD awareness month. Both are important to expose people to the truth about mental health issues and fight stigma.

    If not now, then when?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 39:53


    Update on AJ's structure and schedule and how we can motivate ourselves out of procrastination.

    Day 10 of Structure: TGIF

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2021 12:28


    It's Friday, so I want to get as many things done as possible. Usually cleaning a room takes extra time (more than an hour), also because I'm trying not to be distracted by social media. Etsy, poetry, and #artistproblems included!

    Day 9 of Structure: It Gets Better

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2021 26:15


    Another day, another dinner. I really had a good day today.

    Day 8 - Focus on Priorities

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 22:16


    There are important things to do each day (making an appointment, calling a friend, emergencies, ect.) but don't let that slow you down! No one is perfect, but hell, we can try right?

    Let's learn a language together!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 1:05


    In the spirit of staying motivated and creating structure, feel free to follow me on Duolingo! I set a reminder for myself that every day at 3:00 pm I do lessons. Why not join me and take steps in learning the language you always wanted to speak!

    duolingo let's learn learn a language
    Day 7 of Structure: Picking up the pieces

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 41:34


    Recovering from a depressing day, I come to terms with my doubts and fear that seem inescapable. Press on!

    Day 6 of Structure: Structure, Interrupted!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 11:50


    Monday was a hard day. I want to concentrate on my life, but thinking about it got me pessimistic. But I won't stop! *episode contains talk of suicide*

    Schedule Relapse

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 39:47


    What happens when you fail? What even is failure? On this episode we discuss the missteps, roadblocks, and our eventual relapse into our old schedule despite the efforts set in motion 2 weeks ago. More importantly, we discuss how to learn and pivot to pursue our goals more efficiently and intelligently.

    Day 5 of Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2021 18:33


    What have I learned so far? Weekends are non-negotiable! And also, I love the feeling of focus and motivation in the sun.

    Day 4 of Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 13:33


    Trying hard to get what I want done to better myself and my surroundings.

    Day 3 of Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 5:53


    Mid-week report

    Day 2 of Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 24:56


    Wasn't a perfect day. A lot of factors affected how my day turned out. The importance of the schedule is being able to get the things done that I want to get done in a timely manner. I feel like I didn't do my best today. I can't wait to try again tomorrow!

    Day 1 of Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 23:04


    First day of my schedule! Monday is here. This is how it went. The ups, the downs, the cats

    Structure & Borderline Personality Disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 61:16


    Procrastinating seems to be a bpd trait. DBT teaches that structure is a great way for our minds to stay active and for us to feel productive. Like me, you may have started projects with grandiose ideas and very motivated, but then slowly became disheartened and discontinued. Our feelings are connected to our motivation so it's important that we take care of ourselves and develop good habits to pass the time.

    Valentine's Day 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 29:45


    We're being a little silly and celebrating Valentine's day by playing a game.

    Racial Trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 55:56


    What is Racial Trauma? In this episode, we discuss what can cause racial trauma and the symptoms associated with it — and how those can differ from PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety.

    6 DBT Skills that Helped Our Relationship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 45:50


    These are our most used DBT skills since learning them in 2020, most commonly used to benefit our marriage and our other relationships. There are many skills but these are the ones that have benefited us daily.

    A Look Back at 2020!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 46:16


    Join us as we review the year that will live in infamy—2020! We discuss the special interviews, DBT therapy, Self Care Walks, Patreon, and our top three most listened episodes: "High Functioning BPD" (July 26), "7 Things People with BPD Want You to Know" (May 10), and "Questions on BPD" (May 27). As we say our final goodbyes to 2020, we want to thank each and every one of you for sticking with us through this rough year. We hope you'll join us in 2021—see you on the other side!

    Sense of Self

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 45:14


    Do you know who you are? We all go through changes, but BPD can constantly shift your emotions and self-esteem.

    The Official Depression Relief Playbook

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 81:07


    Zack is one of our listeners and our new friend! His book is filled with great information for those struggling with depression, especially for the first time. It’s a guide that covers everything from nutrition to finding the right care in an honest and encouraging way. Checkout the full book on Amazon. Link on borderlineidealist.com

    Aromatherapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 54:24


    AJ has begun exploring different essential oils and their effects. They can stimulate, calm, and even improve self esteem. Join us as we discuss our favorite six oils!

    Wise Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2020 31:07


    An update on beginning our DBT study group & also understanding the reasonable, emotional, and wise mind.

    BPD & Mania

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 58:32


    Can those with BPD experience a form of mania? Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that AJ believes he’s experienced. But isn’t mania only a bipolar thing? And how do you manage these type of energy burst that are followed by low mood? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Idealization & Devaluation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 56:21


    Oh, splitting, how you affect us so! AJ speaks about how he can go from one minute loving Cris, then feel he is the worst. BPD can make a truly emotional situation harder by distrusting yourself and others. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Figuring out how strongly to ask or say no

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 34:11


    We play a game that explores DBT interpersonal effectiveness and shows us how strongly to say no or how strongly to ask for what you want. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for the instructions. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Mindfulness Meditation Exercise

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 2:54


    Follow along with Cris as he walks us through a simple mindfulness exercise to help us stay focus on the present. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Mindfulness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 51:45


    Mindfulness helps us to be in the moment and can also help us improve our awareness of our bodies and mind. AJ & Cris reflects on how they use the skill. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    High Functioning BPD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 52:23


    Listen to your favorite introverts talk about the difference between high functioning vs low. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    DBT Skills at work!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 23:33


    Here's a great example of AJ utilizing STOP, radical acceptance, and checking the facts. We look at how DBT helped in a specific stressful situation, and what it could have been like without their help. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Tell us about your distress tolerance!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 1:23


    Is there anything we've talked about or you do to help soothe yourself in stressful situations? Share your progress with us to help others! Please send us a message at borderlineadilas@gmail.com.

    Sensory Awareness Exercise

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 11:22


    Here is an exercise in mindfulness. Sensory awareness is anything that involves the five senses. Find somewhere to get comfy,relax, and focus on grounding yourself in the present. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Distress Tolerance Basics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 52:08


    AJ has a scholarship to a DBT boot camp this summer, so he wants to pass on what he learned to you! Distress tolerance helps us calm during stress so we can focus on making a factual decision using our "wise mind." For more on distress tolerance follow the link in our blog post: https://www.borderlineidealist.com/podcast/2020/6/15/episode-66-distress-tolerance-basics --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Questions on BPD

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 63:19


    Here are some popular questions we get as6k through our social media. If you would like to send us a question or something to discuss, please email us at borderlineadilas@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    7 things people with BPD want you to know: May is BPD Awareness Month

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2020 57:58


    To help promote BPD awareness month, we discuss 7 things people with BPD want you to know. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Coronavirus & DBT: Check the facts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2020 58:06


    We chat about the brave new world we live in under partial isolation to flatten the curve. Also AJ tells us about a new DBT skill that can help you process emotional situations. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    DBT Catch-up: Mindfulness, Distressed Tolerance, and STOP skill

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 59:01


    Here's a bit of what AJ has been learning in DBT sessions. We hope you can use a skill or two to help get you through stressful times and appreciate the moment. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Movie Night: Girl, Interrupted (Full episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 117:34


    For all those self-isolating and bored at home, we offer the first full episode of our Patreon miniseries. These are crazy times, so why not sit back, and enjoy listening to our discussion on a woman's self discovery of BPD in a 1960s mental hospital. We love you and hope this might bring you joy in these trying times! ♥️ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Valene's Story: Childhood trauma, drug abuse, BPD

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2020 74:16


    Valene gives us a look into her life growing up in a hectic household, struggling to find her place, and the courage to press forward. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Self-care Walk: March 17

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 18:37


    Walky+Story: March 16

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 31:17


    AJ shares one of his sacred stories from his secret stash on this walk. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Self-care Walk: Ides of March

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2020 23:36


    Trivia: The Ides of March is the 74th day in the Roman calendar that corresponds to 15 March. It was marked by several religious observances and was notable for the Romans as a deadline for settling debts. In 44 BC, it became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar which made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman history. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Self-care Walk Talk: March 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2020 34:01


    Sweetwater Creek was a great experience for us! It's our second time going and this time with friends. Here's a chat about the adventure ♥️ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Self-care Walk: March 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 28:55


    Are we still doing this? Yes. Yes we are.

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