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  • The Buddha and the Borderline

  • My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating
  • By: Kiera Van Gelder
  • Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
  • Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (66 ratings)
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The Buddha and the Borderline

By: Kiera Van Gelder
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
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Summary

Kiera Van Gelder's first suicide attempt at the age of 12 marked the onset of her struggles with drug addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and chaotic romantic relationships - all of which eventually led to doctors' belated diagnosis of borderline personality disorder 20 years later.

The Buddha and the Borderline is a window into this mysterious and debilitating condition, an unblinking portrayal of one woman's fight against the emotional devastation of borderline personality disorder. This haunting, intimate memoir chronicles both the devastating period that led to Kiera's eventual diagnosis and her inspirational recovery through therapy, Buddhist spirituality, and a few online dates gone wrong. Kiera's story sheds light on the private struggle to transform suffering into compassion for herself and others, and is essential listening for all seeking to understand what it truly means to recover and reclaim the desire to live.

©2010 Kiera Van Gelder (P)2017 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

What listeners say about The Buddha and the Borderline

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If you have BPD this is a must read/listen

I was recently diagnosed with BPD. I have always suffered but getting the diagnosis was a turning point for me that's when I could see what was happening to me what I have battled with my whole life. I've had two hospital trips since and still not getting the correct help or treatment so I have been relying on Harbinger work books and self care. All the books I have come across have been like a guide you pick up from the pet shop on how to care for a destructive rescue dog (aka your BPD loved one)
This book was the first from my perspective. It was like hearing my own life story again and now I feel like I have some next steps I can take.
Thank you for telling your story, Keira Van Gelder.

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Validating and inspiring.

Very validating to hear that somebody else has had similar experiences too me, some such minor details that ring so true. Has inspired me to visit my local Buddhist centre.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Empowering!

I loved this audible book! I was interested in DBT and came across it. The title had me curious, the sample had me hooked. It's so descriptive open and honest I could relate to the behaviours, the processes and the journey. The narration and speed of the read seemed fitting for the borderline mind. I think that therapists would find this insightful and people who have wondered and reflected about their personalities and partners too would find this enlightening. An ongoing process. Felt really positive and a great listen.

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1 person found this helpful

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The book which changed my life

I never understood my wife till I read this book,I dissvowed this book so many times till I finished reading it and have enjoyed listening to it again,remembering all are struggles, pains massive fights,
to be loved by someone with bpd and to love someone is the most epic feelings in life, then for kiera to give me a road map on how to love my wife is priceless,her generosity to the bpd comunity and the people who love and support people with bpd is amazing because of the insight we learn about ourselves. Thanks kiera you changed me for the better

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fellow Bordeline

wow raw truth and I loved the way at the end you show your not healed but we manage and can continue to manage recognize and move on and grow. wicked book !

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So helpful welwritten, but reader voice annoying

So helpful thanks kiera for sharing n showing the light, bought this books years ago but dint read cause I don't lik the r tea sets voice,,, but content is great

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Inspiring

I LOVED this book! I could relate to it on an intrinsic level and found it insightful and inspiring. I’d give it 10 stars if I could!

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Relatable

I have recently been diagnosed with BPD and found this book to be most relatable. Like the author, I have found solace in Buddhism as well as yoga and mindfulness practices. It is encouraging to know someone else has struggled with this disorder and found ways to cope and survive against most odds.

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My BPD journey

I’ve only been diagnosed with BPD in the last 5yrs I’m 55. Through many struggles and potential life ending situations I’m on the path to recovery. I totally related to this book on so many levels, it’s reinforced my resolve to do better.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

This was okay, but it got quite repetitive

Lost interest about half way through as it just seemed to repeat itself. Shows the real struggle and a failed healthcare system, but wish it was more of a journey how she had come on and more of a positive spin on things

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3 people found this helpful