"The Buddha and the Borderline is a masterpiece."

- Perry Hoffman, Ph.D, President, National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder



                                                                        

The Buddha and the Borderline: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism and Online Dating

                                                                        


Kiera Van Gelder’s first suicide attempt at the age of twelve marked the onset of her struggles with drug addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and chaotic romantic relationships—all of which eventually led to doctors’ belated diagnosis of borderline personality disorder twenty years later- a diagnosis so stigmatized it's been called "the leprosy of psychiatric disorders."

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects more than ten million Americans, yet the disorder is still shrouded in mystery and stigma. Characterized by unstable moods, self-injury, suicide attempts, and reckless, impulsive behavior,  it was considered "incurable" until only recently, when effective treatments such as dialectical behavior therapy have been developed.

The Buddha and the Borderline is the first ever  memoir to describe the recovery process utilizing these new, cutting edge treatments and Buddhism.  Kiera Van Gelder's finely-honed literary talent  offers us a stunning and intimate look into a  life-threatening condition that has been a shameful secret even among those with mental illness.

Now an international advocate and educator, Kiera reveals how the combination of education, support, treatment, and spirituality taught her to transform such BPD symptoms as self-destruction, self-hatred, and anger and to create an extraordinary life.

 The reader will come away from The Buddha and the Borderline not only with an understanding of what recovery involves, but with the belief that recovery is possible for anyone willing to learn and grow. If you or someone you know is suffering from borderline personality disorder, reading this book will change your life.