In this episode, Nicole is joined by Dr. Gregory Serfer and Melanie Jones to discuss the stigmatization of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and its impact on personal identity. They delve into how certain words contribute to the stigmatization of BPD. The conversation expands to explore Dissociative Identity Disorder, BPD-related identity disturbances, and whether there’s a connection between self-awareness and a more stable sense of identity. Melanie shares her personal experience with a shifting sense of self, followed by Nicole’s reflections on this idea. The episode wraps up with insights into the conscious and unconscious nature of mirroring behavior, and Dr. Gregory offers some final words of wisdom.

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
• Melanie Jones: emmjay993@yahoo.com

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Beginning Pleasantries with Nicole, Dr, Gregory Serfer, and Melanie Jones
• 3:30 Mel’s Perspective: Do Certain Words Increase The Stigmatization of BPD?
• 7:08 Gregory’s Perspective: Do Certain Words Increase The Stigmatization of BPD?
• 9:30 What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• 13:27 BPD-Related Identity Disturbances
• 16:09 Is There A Link Between BPD-Related Identity Disturbances and Self-Awareness?
• 19:14 Does Developing/Practicing Self-Awareness Help Your Identity Become More Stable?
• 21:58 The Hot Seat: Mel’s Experience With A Shifting Sense of Self
• 28:03 Nicole’s Experience With A Shifting Sense of Self
• 33:36 Is Mirroring Conscious, Self-Conscious, or Both?
• 42:07 Gregory’s Final Words

(End of Interview)

• 52:06 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 52:29 BPD Daily Mantra
• 52:45 Outro
• 54:02 “Who Am I” by Boddhi Satva Feat. Athenai & C.Robert Walker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu8PTI-iwpQ

Episode Resources:

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

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: