Description
Book SynopsisKiera 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.
The Buddha and the Borderline is a window into this mysterious and debilitating condition, an unblinking portrayal of one woman's fight against the emotional devastation of borderline personality disorder. This haunting, intimate memoir chronicles both the devastating period that led to Kiera's eventual diagnosis and her inspirational recovery through therapy, Buddhist spirituality, and a few online dates gone wrong. Kiera's story sheds light on the private struggle to transform suffering into compassion for herself and others, and is essential reading for all seeking to understand what it truly means to recover and reclaim the desire to live.
Trade ReviewThe Buddha and the Borderline is a cross between Girl, Interrupted and Bridget Jones's Diary.While reading it, I found myself admiring Kiera's talent for vividly describing borderline hopelessness and pain while keeping me laughing with her tales of life as a 'lonely and increasingly horny receptionist.' While this book has something for everyone, Kiera's detailed account of how she recovered from this deadly disorder will be enormously inspiring to people with borderline personality disorder and their family members. -- Randi Kreger, author of Stop Walking on Eggshells
Out of a profoundly painful experience, Kiera Van Gelder has written a brave and hopeful book exploring her recovery from borderline personality disorder. Kiera's story will undoubtedly touch countless lives and be a source of inspiration to those who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, their families, and the mental health professionals who play a crucial role in the complex nexus of education, treatment, and support.
The Buddha and the Borderline is a compelling and invaluable narrative for anyone wanting to learn more about the difficult, yet ultimately rewarding, process of recovery. -- Amanda L. Smith, Florida Borderline Personality Disorder Association
