Introduction to Karen Mae Vister, Author of 'More than Borderline'

I'm Karen Mae Vister, and I'm overjoyed to be the new author of More than Borderline. Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) hasn't been a walk in the park for me. Out of the BPD criteria, I've experienced my fair share of chronic emptiness, emotional roller coasters, and desperate efforts to avoid feeling abandoned. But this blog isn't about dwelling on the struggles; it's about shining a light on the path to recovery and breaking down the stigma surrounding BPD.

Karen Mae Vister's Journey Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder

With time, treatment, and plenty of determination, I've managed to tame the intensity of those symptoms.

Back in the day, I checked off all the criteria, even battling with dark thoughts and self-harm. I'm proud to say that I've overcome those specific challenges. It wasn't an easy road, though. In fact, when I first received my diagnosis at 21, I found myself resisting it. Growing up in a vibrant Filipino household posed unique challenges when it came to seeking treatment. Mental illness wasn't a topic that resonated deeply with my family, and understanding the necessary steps to heal from a complex disorder like BPD was a struggle. So, for a significant stretch of five years, I played the role of a resilient soldier, convinced I could power through on my own. Spoiler alert: I couldn't.

Borderline Personality Disorder Requires Treatment for Karen Mae Vister

On the surface, I appeared just fine. I graduated from college, had a partner by my side, and seemed to have it all together. But inside, it was chaos. I dreaded the idea of being alone, and if I didn't have a new project or obsession to distract me, my mind would go to some pretty dark places. It was time for a change.

That's when I made the brave decision to seek psychiatric treatment for BPD. Graduating college left me feeling lost and anxious about the future. My suicidal thoughts had reached a breaking point, and I knew I couldn't keep going down that path. So, off to the psychiatrist, I went.

Karen Mae Vister's Plan for the 'More than Borderline' Blog

And that is just the beginning of the story. Stick around as I share my experiences, triumphs, and lessons learned on the road to recovery from BPD. Join me on this empowering journey of self-discovery and growth, where I'll delve into the nuances behind symptoms and provide valuable tips and tricks to overcome the hurdles that come along with mental illness. Together, we will navigate the complexities and find strength in our shared experiences. It's going to be one wild ride, but with your support, we can make a profound impact.

Watch this video to learn more about what drew Karen Mae Vister to write on the More than Borderline blog.