In this episode, we dive into the silent crisis of chronic feelings of emptiness. We explore what this inner void really is (spoiler: it’s not just loneliness, depression, or boredom), how it impacts identity, and why it often leads to impulsive or self-harming behavior.
We explore it through lived experience and the latest research, sharing evidence-based strategies from mindfulness to meaning-making that can help gently rebuild connection and a sense of purpose, one step at a time.
⛔ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional numbness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care while listening and pause if needed.
🌱 We’d love to hear from you. Questions, thoughts, or a story you want to share? Email us at bpddiariesstoriesandscience1@gmail.com and let’s keep the conversation going.
📩 For support on your BPD recovery journey with DBT-based skills and Mindfulness practices, email me for a free 30-Minute Consultation: steff@bpdsupport.org or check out the website: www.bpdsupport.org
🎧 Looking for meditations to support emotional regulation, BPD recovery, and more? Visit our YouTube channel Empowered Heroes for free guided practices made with care: https://www.youtube.com/@Empoweredheroes
Also on Spotify at Empowered Heroes Meditations.
💛 If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of BPD, you are not alone. Help is out there. Healing takes time, but it is possible, and you deserve support.
📚 Referenced Research Includes:
Hein, K. E., et al. (2025). Emptiness in patients with BPD: Severity and predictors of outcome over 24 years. Journal of Affective Disorders, 372, 234–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.11.075
Herron, S. J., & Sani, F. (2022). Understanding the typical presentation of emptiness: A study of lived experience. Journal of Mental Health, 31(2), 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.1922645
Klonsky, E. D. (2008). What is emptiness? Clarifying the 7th criterion for BPD. Journal of Personality Disorders, 22(4), 418–426. https://doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2008.22.4.418
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Miller, C. E., et al. (2018). A 1-year follow-up study of capacity to love and work in BPD. Personality and Mental Health, 12(4), 334–344. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmh.1432
Miller, C. E., et al. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in BPD: A qualitative study. BPD and Emotion Dysregulation, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8
Ntshingila, N., et al. (2016). Experiences of women living with borderline personality disorder. Health SA Gesondheid, 21, 110–119.
