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The Void Within | Chronic Emptiness & BPD
In this episode, we dive into the silent crisis of chronic feelings of emptiness. We explore what this inner void really is (spoiler: it’s not just loneliness, depression, or boredom), how it impacts identity, and why it often leads to impulsive or self-harming behavior.
We explore it through lived experience and the latest research, sharing evidence-based strategies from mindfulness to meaning-making that can help gently rebuild connection and a sense of purpose, one step at a time.
⛔ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional numbness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care while listening and pause if needed.
🌱 We’d love to hear from you. Questions, thoughts, or a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected] and let’s keep the conversation going.
📩 For support on your BPD recovery journey with DBT-based skills and Mindfulness practices, email me for a free 30-Minute Consultation: [email protected] or check out the website: www.bpdsupport.org
🎧 Looking for meditations to support emotional regulation, BPD recovery, and more? Visit our YouTube channel Empowered Heroes for free guided practices made with care: https://www.youtube.com/@Empoweredheroes
Also on Spotify at Empowered Heroes Meditations.
💛 If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of BPD, you are not alone. Help is out there. Healing takes time, but it is possible, and you deserve support.
📚 Referenced Research Includes:
Hein, K. E., et al. (2025). Emptiness in patients with BPD: Severity and predictors of outcome over 24 years. Journal of Affective Disorders, 372, 234–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.11.075
Herron, S. J., & Sani, F. (2022). Understanding the typical presentation of emptiness: A study of lived experience. Journal of Mental Health, 31(2), 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.1922645
Klonsky, E. D. (2008). What is emptiness? Clarifying the 7th criterion for BPD. Journal of Personality Disorders, 22(4), 418–426. https://doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2008.22.4.418
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Miller, C. E., et al. (2018). A 1-year follow-up study of capacity to love and work in BPD. Personality and Mental Health, 12(4), 334–344. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmh.1432
Miller, C. E., et al. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in BPD: A qualitative study. BPD and Emotion Dysregulation, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8
Ntshingila, N., et al. (2016). Experiences of women living with borderline personality disorder. Health SA Gesondheid, 21, 110–119.
View all episodes
By Stephanie Schildknecht, Kerry FisherIn this episode, we dive into the silent crisis of chronic feelings of emptiness. We explore what this inner void really is (spoiler: it’s not just loneliness, depression, or boredom), how it impacts identity, and why it often leads to impulsive or self-harming behavior.
We explore it through lived experience and the latest research, sharing evidence-based strategies from mindfulness to meaning-making that can help gently rebuild connection and a sense of purpose, one step at a time.
⛔ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional numbness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care while listening and pause if needed.
🌱 We’d love to hear from you. Questions, thoughts, or a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected] and let’s keep the conversation going.
📩 For support on your BPD recovery journey with DBT-based skills and Mindfulness practices, email me for a free 30-Minute Consultation: [email protected] or check out the website: www.bpdsupport.org
🎧 Looking for meditations to support emotional regulation, BPD recovery, and more? Visit our YouTube channel Empowered Heroes for free guided practices made with care: https://www.youtube.com/@Empoweredheroes
Also on Spotify at Empowered Heroes Meditations.
💛 If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of BPD, you are not alone. Help is out there. Healing takes time, but it is possible, and you deserve support.
📚 Referenced Research Includes:
Hein, K. E., et al. (2025). Emptiness in patients with BPD: Severity and predictors of outcome over 24 years. Journal of Affective Disorders, 372, 234–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.11.075
Herron, S. J., & Sani, F. (2022). Understanding the typical presentation of emptiness: A study of lived experience. Journal of Mental Health, 31(2), 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.1922645
Klonsky, E. D. (2008). What is emptiness? Clarifying the 7th criterion for BPD. Journal of Personality Disorders, 22(4), 418–426. https://doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2008.22.4.418
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Miller, C. E., et al. (2018). A 1-year follow-up study of capacity to love and work in BPD. Personality and Mental Health, 12(4), 334–344. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmh.1432
Miller, C. E., et al. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in BPD: A qualitative study. BPD and Emotion Dysregulation, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8
Ntshingila, N., et al. (2016). Experiences of women living with borderline personality disorder. Health SA Gesondheid, 21, 110–119.