What is it like to spent time at an inpatient treatment facility for borderline personality disorder? In this episode, I sit down with author and artist Courtney Cook to discuss her BPD recovery journey so far after spending her teen years as a "frequent flier of the psychiatric hospitals of the Chicago area.” If you consider yourself a highly sensitive and creative person who always has felt like their intense emotions were “too much,” Courtney’s story will inspire you and fill you with hope. 

Topics explored and questions answered in this episode:

■ Experiencing chronic feelings of emptiness, regardless of an “idyllic” childhood upbringing

■ Growing up as a highly sensitive person (HSP) with intense emotions

■ How BPD traits can make it more difficult to make and maintain friendships

■ Do you have BPD or are you just a teenager? (Can teens actually have BPD?)

■ How Courtney finally came to get her formal BPD diagnosis at age 23

■ What medication do people with BPD take? (Courtney’s experience with anti-depressants and antipsychotics)

■ Can you have BPD and OCD? (Exploring Courtney’s additional struggles with obsessive compulsive behaviors, body dysmorphia, skin picking, and trichotillomania)

■ Exploring the stigma and demonization of people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder

■ How BPD has affected Courtney’s relationships (and how she navigates feeling “too much” or “crazy”)

Learn more about Courtney and her work by visiting her website at https://courtneycook.me/.

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Disclaimer: information contained in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

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