Top 15 Books About Borderline Personality Disorder Updated 04 /2024

Borderline Personality Disorder, in my opinion, is the most widely misunderstood form of mental disease. Every time it's brought up in the media, on message boards, or even in casual conversation, people automatically assume the worst about those who are affected by it. A few mental health professionals have refused to see me because of my illness, so I've been reluctant to seek help. Having the individuals you contact for aid reject you is extremely upsetting because of the fear of rejection/abandonment with this disease. Trauma from childhood is a common cause of bipolar disorder (BPD). A lot of the time, it's a result of having gone through or being exposed to a lot of abuse. Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse are all examples of this. Every one of them is possible. Abuse from parents or other trusted authorities accounts for the majority of all reported cases. Because of this, children may grow up distrusting others, which can lead to relational problems later in life. Divorce is common even when people with BPD are able to create kids of their own.

Divorce is terrible for me because of BPD, which was a contributing factor. Immediately after my marriage ended, I received a diagnosis that helped me understand a lot of the reasons why it did. I firmly believe that raising awareness about BPD will go a long way toward reducing its social stigma. Book reading is an excellent approach to learn more about this illness, in my opinion. An attempt has been made in the hope of providing some insight to individuals who are trying to better understand and accept this particular mental disease.

“I Hate You—Don’t Leave Me” by Jerold J. Kreisman

There's a good reason why this book is frequently listed as a must-read for those with Borderline Personality Disorder. The book by Kreisman and Straus has been hailed as the authoritative work on the disease because of the years of research that went into it. The symptoms of BPD are examined in depth in this book. Those who struggle to grasp how or why people develop this mental disease may find this information useful. It debunks common misconceptions regarding BPD, such as the idea that people with the condition are only "manipulative." It explains why we can't act in the ways we'd like to due to difficulties with emotional regulation.

In addition, it covers treatment options and drug options for symptom management. One of the best tools for newly diagnosed BPD patients and those who care for them, this book is deservedly so. When Demi Lovato read this book and penned her popular song with the same name!

“Loving Someone With Borderline Personality Disorder” by Shari Y. Manning

People with bipolar disorder (BPD) receive a lot of unfavorable attention. Friends and family members of newly diagnosed cancer patients may be terrified, lost, or conflicted about their loved one as a result of this. Negativity and judgment might be exacerbated by a lack of knowledge about this condition.

With Shari Manning, loved ones can better grasp this disease. In addition, she offers advice on how they might aid in the healing process. This book helps the patient see themselves in a fresh perspective so that they can improve their interactions with their caregivers.

“The Buddha and The Borderline” by Kiera Van Gelder

An incredible first-person account of the author's diagnosis and early recovery is the focus of this book. With a no-holds-barred approach to her remarkable experience, Van Gelder gives the reader an inside look at the difficulties that led to her BPD diagnosis.

Therapy, Buddhist faith, and online dating helped her recover from her mental illness, and her story gives hope to people who are just beginning their journey and doubt they'll ever be able to recover.

“Get Me Out of Here” by Rachel Reiland

For those who were diagnosed later in life, this book is an excellent resource. From the inside out, it's a brilliantly honest memoir about mental illness. Reiland's recovery was made possible by extensive counseling, but she also relied significantly on the support of her family and friends.

If you have the time, this book is worth the effort.

“Girl in Need of a Tourniquet” by Merri Lisa Johnson

A compelling portrait of mental illness and rehabilitation is painted in Johnson's book. As a self-described "psycho girl," she discusses her own experiences of dysfunction and dysregulation. And she explains how she made her way back to health in the early stages of her rehabilitation. The novel can be difficult to follow due to the fact that the author frequently mentions BPD, but it provides a realistic depiction of what it's like to live with the condition.

“Remnants of a Life on Paper” by Pamela and Bea Tusiani

Those who are sensitive to emotional distress should be warned about this book's content. She kept diaries throughout her adolescence and early adulthood because of her battle with bipolar disorder (BPD). Upon her death at the age of 23, due to an adverse response to one of her drugs, her mother and sister published a book comprising her journal entries and their own notes on talks.

This isn't a definitive guide on bipolar disorder, but it does shed light on the everyday battle waged by people who are affected by it. Complexity of this condition is shown in the most realistic way possible, which makes the tragic end of a beautiful life even worse.

“Beyond Borderline: True Stories of Recovery” by Perry D. Hoffman and John G. Gunderson

Short stories written by people who have suffered BPD are included in this collection. Experts in bipolar disorder, Hoffman and Gunderson have included a wide range of case studies in their book. Therapy and recovery choices are examined for people who are currently fighting the war.

That no two cases or approaches to recovery are alike is one of the best things about this book. Even people with the same diagnoses have varying experiences with mental illness. As a result, being open to alternative approaches is essential.

“Stronger Than BPD” by Debbie Corso

In this book, Debbie Corso, a BPD victim and advocate, lays out her own route to recovery. Real-life examples highlight how others have worked through similar challenges and emerged stronger on the other side of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and recovery skills.

“Stop Walking on Eggshells” by Paul Mason and Randi Kreger

Anyone who has a family member or friend who suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder should read this book. Readers acquire sympathy and understanding while not blaming the BPD sufferer for their actions.

It's a book about how to create boundaries while still being there for the person you care about. With this book, you may continue to love someone with BPD while also taking care of your own mental well-being.

“Mindfulness for Borderline Personality Disorder” by Blaise Aguirre and Gillian Galen

Those who are affected by borderline personality disorder (BPD) should not miss this book. Using the analogy of "emotional burn victims" as a way to explain the concept of emotional regulation is helpful. Even the tiniest irritant can cause us to feel excruciating agony and anguish.

In this book, mindfulness is discussed as a way to develop the brain and control symptoms. This book explains in detail why DBT is the gold standard of treatment for BPD.

“Coping with BPD” by Blaise Aguirre and Gillian Galen

This book, written by the same writers as Mindfulness for BPD, is for those who are ready to put in the hard work necessary for recovery. It's a wonderful companion to Mindfulness, or you can use it as a standalone tool. Various DBT and CBT techniques are discussed, which can be put to good use as healthy coping mechanisms based on scientific data.

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