overcoming extreme emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation (ft. CJ THE X)

Toronto-based video essayist, artist and philosopher CJ THE X's talents don't stop at YouTube. He is also a musical force to be reckoned with, transmuting his explosive emotions into songs that explore his battle with his mind. In this episode, CJ and I sat down to talk about his BPD diagnosis, how he's overcome many of the beliefs and behaviors that kept him stuck in a hell of his own creation, how DBT therapy saved his life, and how he continues to use those skills to help manage his day-to-day life as a self-employed creative carving his unique path.  Questions answered and topics discussed in this episode:■ CJ’s experience growing up as a child with an active imagination■ Feeling forced into the “real world” as a teenager■ His experience being diagnosed with BPD■ Struggles with suicidal thoughts and behaviors that ended in inpatient psychiatric care■ Being labeled “high functioning” and not getting taken seriously by psychiatrists■ Exploring the self-sabotaging behaviors and beliefs that kept him stuck■ Struggles with fear of abandonment■ Chronic feelings of emptiness (“feeling like there’s a hole inside that you can never fill”)■ Navigating feelings of shame and self-hatred■ The impact of having a lack of distress tolerance■ How DBT therapy and skills saved his life■ CJ’s experience and description off the “FP” or “Favorite Person” relationship■ How everyone can benefit from thinking dialectically■ How CJ transmutes his feelings into his art■ How giving back to others and our community can improve our mental health FULL ACCESS // CLICK HERE to unlock full future + past episodes and hundreds of hours of bonus content (including voice notes from me) as a Premium Submarine on Patreon. CONNECT WITH ME // CLICK HERE to email me, submit a voicemail, read my Substack, check out my book recommendation list on Amazon, follow me on IG, or listen to my sleep + meditation podcast Night Night Bitch (or visit backfromtheborderline.com) PURESPECTRUM CBD // CLICK HERE to get 15% off your first order or visit purespectrumcbd.com/BFTB Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.