In today’s episode, Nicole, along with Dr. Gregory Serfer and Melanie Jones, dives into the true meaning of impulsivity in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and its impact on those affected and their supporters. They explore what impulsivity means for people with BPD (pwBPD), how to differentiate it from ADHD, and whether it can be destructive. Also, they examine theories behind impulsive behavior, discussing how it often manifests in those with BPD and the underlying drivers behind it. They discuss coping mechanisms, the impact on daily functionality, and how impulsivity often affects friends and family. Finally, they highlight how impulsivity connects to many defining traits of BPD, offering insights and support strategies throughout.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• Dr. Gregory Serfer: contact@gregoryserfer.com

Book: “I Am Still Right Here”: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Still-Right-Here/dp/B0BNTZBZFT

• Melanie Jones

Email: emmjay993@yahoo.com

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Beginning Pleasantries with Gregory, Handsome Dan, Melanie, and Nicole
• 3:48 Impulsivity From Mel & Nicole’s Perspective
• 6:30 The True Meaning of Impulsivity and Its Impact on People with BPD (pwBPD)
• 13:48 Theories Behind Impulsivity Behavior Occurs for pwBPD
• 16:19 Clarifying Question: How Do I Know If I Have BPD or ADHD?
• 21:00 Is Impulsivity Destructive? Coping Mechanisms and Masking Impulsivity
• 31:28 Does Different Coping Methods Lead to Low or High Functionality?
• 44:04 How Impulsive Behavior Impacts the Supporting Individuals Around pwBPD
• 48:46 Many Definitive Criteria of BPD Are Connected Through Impulsivity
• 53:09 Mel’s Final Words and Nicole’s Perspective on Impulsivity
• 57:17 Dr.Gregory’s Final Words: The Effect of Alcohol on Impulsivity

(End of Interview)

• 1:02:31 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 1:02:52 BPD Daily Mantra
• 1:03:09 Outro
• 1:04:25 “Little Things” (Remix) by Jorja Smith ft MayDay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA9byN3fzks

Episode Resources:

• Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darby: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle

In today’s episode, Nicole Darby presents a special “Tool Time” segment, diving into practical mental health tools and strategies for managing BPD and life’s daily stressors. Starting with an introduction to Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), Nicole explains the key differences between traditional DBT and RO-DBT. She follows this with a series of helpful techniques, to assist you in planning before you go.

After “Tool Time,” Nicole transitions into a relaxing “Mindful Moment,” guiding listeners through a meditation aimed at improving productivity, focus, and prioritization skills. This segment is perfect for those looking to boost mental clarity and feel more grounded throughout the day.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Tool Time With Nicole Darby)

• 1:07 Intro to Tool Time
• 1:45 Term of The Day: Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)
• 2:42 The Key Differences Between DBT and RO-DBT
• 4:03 Tool & Techniques: Plan Before You Go, Outfit of Armor, Music, Etc
• 7:44 Tool & Techniques: Three, Three, Three Grounding Technique

(End of Tool Time with Nicole Darby)

(Beginning of Mindful Moment)

• 8:30 Intro to a Mindful Moment
• 8:47 Beginning of Meditation To Boost Your Productivity, Focus & Prioritization Skills

(End of Mindful Moment)

• 26:18 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 26:40 BPD Daily Mantra
• 26:57 Outro
• 28:17 “Surely Slowly” by Jill Scott: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu_zgEKCC1Q

Episode Resources:

• Meditation to Boost Your Productivity, Focus & Prioritization Skills + Hypnosis and Affirmations by Meditable Goal Meditations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1JOIOWOld0
• Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/

• Crisis Hotline - Call or Text 988 or Chat At 988lifeline.org

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darbyl: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle

In today’s episode, Nicole sits down with Kim Beavers to discuss all things disability; exploring the challenges, the commitment, and the low success rate that often comes with filing disability claims. Kim shares her journey, starting with what led her down the path of disability and what it takes to qualify for a claim.

She delves into the importance of detailed logs, the role of referrals, and how she managed to balance work and life during the process. They tackle the stigma surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in disability claims and the lengthy process of approval. Kim offers insight into the impact of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and what needs to change for the government, clinicians, and employers to move beyond traditional evaluations.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• Kim Beavers
  • Kim’s Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Kimbriana-Beavers

  In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Intro to Kim Beavers’ Interview and Beginning Pleasantries
• 3:21 What Leads You to The Path of Disability?
• 7:02 The Success of a Disability Claim
• 7:28 What Does It Take to Qualify?
• 10:10 How Detailed Were You With The Logs for Your Claim?
• 13:04 Who Were Your Referrals for Your Claim?
• 14:54 How Did You Balance Work and Life During This Time?
• 22:22 Medical Stigma at BPD In Disability Claims
• 25:39 How Long Is The Process for Approval?
• 31:35 Limitations on Work and Partial Degree of Disability
• 34:01 How Has The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Affected You?
• 38:22 What Needs to Change For The Government, Clinicians, and Employers to Move Beyond From Traditional Evaluations?

(End of Interview)

• 49:10 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 49:32 BPD Daily Mantra
• 49:49 Outro
• 51:07 “Deep End” by Fousheé: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEgilud6tRU

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darby: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Free BPD Support Resources and Weekly Support Group (Wednesdays): https://www.showmegrace.org

Credits:

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle