This quote speaks to my language of love addiction. It’s not merely the dopamine rush of falling in love; it’s about finally feeling alive and whole when I’m seen through someone else’s eyes. If I could capture the electric rush of new relationship energy, that divine taste of finally feeling real, I'd hoard vials of it like a sacred potion. Sipping on that sweet elixir, day and night.

A downside to BPD is that we have a tendency to misinterpret even the most neutral interactions. It's as if our internal radar is fine-tuned to pick up the faintest signals of potential abandonment. Even when all signs point to safety and connection, our mind sounds the alarm bells, anticipating the rejection that may never come.

Are you struggling with love addiction and looking for a way out? Admitting the problem is the first step to breaking free. Prioritize self-love, expand your knowledge on love addiction, pause before you love, achieve equilibrium by seeking treatment, and don't go it alone. With time and commitment, you can transform your life and achieve greater mental and emotional stability. A therapist can assist you in the recovery process and provide tools for mindfulness, boundary-setting, and communication.

Identity disturbance is a prominent symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder that can lead to erratic behavior. As someone living with BPD, over-identifying with groups, roles, and partners, and allowing them to define my identity was a struggle. Rediscovering my sense of self was crucial to my healing journey. To get started, try identifying personal values and spending time alone. Therapy is another great option for building self-awareness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy challenges your presumptions, Dialectical Behavior Therapy focuses on tools for emotional regulation, and Somatic Therapy uses visualization, meditation, and sensation awareness exercises. Getting in tune with the fundamental aspects of your personality can help you rediscover yourself and promote a positive self-image.

It’s important to acknowledge splitting for what it is -a primitive way of defending ourselves against the complexity of life. The good news is, with enough practice, we can train our brains to catch splitting thoughts and in turn adjust our lenses to pick up on life's many shades of gray.

Practical approaches to being with myself (and the void) again:

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