Episode Seven

In this deeply honest and unexpectedly hilarious episode, a courageous (and anonymous) Black woman shares her lived experience with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). From feeling “too much” as a teen to navigating abandonment in therapy, she holds nothing back—and proves that being emotionally intense doesn’t make you broken, it makes you powerful.

We explore early signs, misdiagnoses, codependency, attachment, impulsive coping, and the deep empathy that often gets overlooked in people with BPD. Oh—and we laugh a LOT along the way.

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:

• Connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpdmelanin/

Episode Topic Timeline (Approximate)

• 00:00 – 01:00 — Opening statement about the fear and stigma of BPD; introduction and trigger warning
• 01:00 – 03:00 — What it’s like to feel “different” from a young age
• 04:00 – 06:30 — Emotional intensity and being told "you're too sensitive"
• 06:45 – 08:30 — Diagnosis story: Being diagnosed at 22 and the rarity of early recognition
• 08:30 – 10:30 — Misdiagnoses, PTSD, and feeling like “too much” for therapists
• 10:30 – 12:30 — Abandonment by a therapist and the emotional fallout
• 12:30 – 15:00 — Discussion on broken mental health systems and trying to trust again
• 15:00 – 18:30 — Coping mechanisms: impulsivity, codependency, fear of rejection
• 18:30 – 21:30 — Romantic attachment patterns, rage episodes, and self-awareness
• 21:30 – 24:00 — Hypersexuality, emotional regulation, and what's misunderstood in BPD
• 24:00 – 27:00 — Reclaiming BPD as a superpower: deep empathy, intuition, and resilience
• 27:00 – 29:00 — Affirmation mantra + invitation to visit showmegrace.org for support

Episode Resources:

• Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/
  • Career Coaching: https://www.showmegrace.org/about-3

• Crisis Hotline - Call or Text 988 or Chat At 988lifeline.org

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darby: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole Darby

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby