Managing Intense Emotions and Overcoming Self-Destructive Habits: A Self-Help Manual (Routledge Mental Health Classic Editions)

What is emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), also known as borderline personality disorder, and how can people with EUPD learn how to manage their emotions more skilfully and effectively? Managing Intense Emotions and Overcoming Self-Destructive Habits is a self-help manual that will take you through that journey step by step.

This book explains the problems that many people with EUPD struggle with, particularly intense emotional states and difficulties regulating them. It also outlines the skills needed to manage them, and explains how these skills can be learnt and developed. Featuring a brand new introduction by the author, subsequent chapters cover themes including:

• the condition and controversy surrounding the diagnosis
• drug and alcohol misuse
• emotional dysregulation and the role of thinking habits and beliefs
• depression and difficult mood states
• childhood abuse and relationship difficulties
• anger management

This book is designed to be (ideally) used with the help of professional mental health staff, when a more evidence-based therapy is not available, or the person has tried and not got on with. This support and coaching can be given in a group or by individual sessions.

This classic edition is essential reading for people with EUPD and professionals involved in their care―psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and occupational therapists.

Lorraine Bell is a consultant clinical psychologist who has specialised in the treatment of people with EUPD, leading a UK dialectical behaviour therapy service for 20 years. Lorraine has also published books on eating disorders and suicide prevention.