“Just because it’s to be expected, it doesn’t make the deaths, or the grief, easier to deal with. People with EUPD aren’t immune to the grief associated with a death by suicide…”
All in Journal
How hope remains
“That hope, the hope that things will become increasingly manageable with time, is what keeps me going and is what I try and inspire in those I now work with.”
What a difference 5 years has made…
“5 years ago I was in the process of losing a job for being too mentally ill. Now, I have a job precisely because I am mentally ill and I am doing that job whilst navigating the ever-present rollercoaster of EUPD.”
Expert by Experience; the journey to NHS England
“If someone had told me then that three years later I would be where I am now, I would probably have yelled at them about how ridiculous they were being and told them to stop giving me false hope…”
Why virtual support just isn’t the same...
Covid-19 has led to a lot of changes in mental healthcare, here are my views.
Accepting reality
Recovery isn’t linear and it may never be finished…but that’s ok!
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
The theme of this year’s Awareness Week is kindness but do we really also need a Mental Illness Awareness Week?
Lockdown life
Insights into life during Lockdown when everyday normality is lost.
Coping with Covid-19
How the effects of social isolation are impacting life with EUPD/BPD alongside other mental health conditions.
Prioritising me
A look at the new year so far, progress in saying no and why time to act should be as important as Time To Talk.
Attachment issues
How having BPD/EUPD can lead to unusual but very strong attachments with people, places and even objects.
Radio and realisations
Insights into being part of a radio feature and realisations regarding having EUPD/BPD and feeling suicidal.
Campaign conclusion and apparent competence
Thoughts on the culmination of a year’s work and the dangers of apparent competence.
Respite reflections
“I have a personality disorder.”
“Really? I couldn’t tell…!”
Reflections on diagnostic labels after a respite stay.
Balance and Expertise
Balancing recovery with the role of Expert by Experience and views on how this role is used.
Crisis point
Sometimes things just become a bit too much...
Mental Health Awareness Week
Insights into how the week improved my own mental health awareness as well as that of others.
Moving forward
Things progress - sometimes obviously and sometimes without us noticing...
Ups and downs
Insights into efforts to avoid EUPD/BPD stereotypes and how the inevitable rollercoaster of emotions continues.
Change for the better
“I hate change...but sometimes it can be great!” 12 months is a long time with EUPD.