This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a challenging and exhausting condition to live with. Those who are diagnosed, as well as their loved ones, could always use a bit more help and advice when navigating the treatment and coping journey. Though therapy and self-care are always important, books about BPD can provide added insight, compassion, and empathy that are necessary for healing.
So if you are looking for some great resources to help recover and maintain your mental health, then why not pick up some books about the condition? Below are some great books about borderline personality disorder that we highly recommend.
“I Hate You–Don’t Leave Me” by Jerold J. Kreisman and Hal Straus
This is one of the most popular books about BPD, and it’s not hard to see why. The book is full of great research and insights on the disorder that other books struggle to compete with. It also provides helpful tips for coping and a great discussion on treatment options. Anyone with BPD (or their loved ones) will gain insightful knowledge and advice when reading this book. You can get the book at Amazon.
“The Buddha and The Borderline” by Kiera Van Gelder
This book is an essential memoir to read if you are looking to get a window into the life of someone with BPD. The author notates her struggles throughout childhood and young adulthood that came before her diagnosis. Furthermore, she details her journey to recovery through Buddhism and therapy, leaving an inspirational story for all who have this diagnosis. The Buddha and The Borderline is available at Second Sale.
“The Way She Feels: My Life on the Borderline in Pictures & Pieces” by Courtney Cook
This author not only tells the story of her ups and downs with her diagnosis, she wonderfully puts these stories all together into a graphic memoir. Her illustrations perfectly capture the volatility, rawness, and even the humor of having BPD. Though reading about the condition is interesting enough, the author’s illustrations bring out the emotions that are common throughout this journey. Get the book for cheap at bookoutlet.
“Sometimes I Act Crazy: Living With Borderline Personality Disorder” by Jerold J. Kreisman and Hal Straus
The authors that brought you “I Hate You–Don’t Leave Me” come back with another guide to help people cope with this condition. While their previous book focused more on the science and psychology of BPD, this book provides more advice, coping tips, and hope for people with this condition and their loved ones. Get Sometimes I Act Crazy at Abe Books online.
“Mindfulness for Borderline Personality Disorder: Relieve Your Suffering Using the Core Skill of Dialectical Behavior Therapy” by Blaise A. Aguirre
This is a great book for anyone looking to incorporate mindfulness into their coping or treatment strategy. The book centers around the practices of mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help people with BPD manage their symptoms. The book also serves as a good introduction to mindfulness and has plenty of exercises that perfectly incorporate mindfulness into the recovery journey. You can get this Mindfulness for BPD book for under $8 at Discover Books.
“Millie the Cat Has Borderline Personality Disorder” by Jessie Shepherd and Ty Shepherd
Though this is a picture book for children, it is still a great read about BPD. This book is essential for any children who have family members with BPD and are confused about their behavior. It displays BPD in a compassionate light and breaks down the condition so children can understand and sympathize. Buy Millie the Cat Has BPD at Better World Books.
“Borderline Personality Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed” by Alexander L. Chapman and Kim L. Gratz
If you were recently diagnosed with BPD, then this is your ultimate guide. This book provides a great introduction to the disorder and the common challenges experienced by people diagnosed with it. It also discusses the most effective treatment options available and coping strategies.
“Get Me Out of Here: My Recovery From Borderline Personality Disorder” by Rachel Reiland
“Get Me Out Of Here” is another great memoir about living with BPD. This book details the author’s journey from diagnosis to healing and recovery. It’s a perfect read for those wanting to understand this condition more, as well as those who also live with it.
“Girl, Interrupted” by Susanna Kaysen
This is by far the most popular book about BPD around. It not only serves as an important memoir and perspective on the issue but also gives a great glimpse into mental health stigmas and care of the 1960s. The stories and thoughts of this incredible author will have you question your own understanding and stereotypes of who should be considered “sane” or “insane.” Get the book version at Alibris.
“The Borderline Personality Disorder Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Living With BPD” by Alexander L. Chapman and Kim L. Gratz
This is another great guide to BPD brought to you by the authors of “Borderline Personality Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed.” The authors have provided their readers with another great roadmap to treatment and recovery, toning down the technical jargon to help further your understanding. If you or someone you love is struggling with this disorder, then this book will be a great help for all of your challenges. Get this great book on BPD at Thrift Books.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, have known about your BPD diagnosis for a while, or are a loved one with BPD, you are sure to find a book on this list that can educate you further and help you on this journey. If you are interested in learning more about borderline personality disorder or similar conditions, you can find more information and resources over at BetterHelp.