I'm currently on a long waiting list for DBT, and I was put in a class for people on that list to take in the meantime. So, this isn't actually about BPD or even about me, but it's about something I learned in that class.

I save all my packets and have them in a file folder. One of the things I learned in that class was grounding. I decided to make myself an index card of my favorite grounding techniques and what situations to use each for (eg. panic attacks, intense lows, feeling rejected/abandoned, even OCD attacks). My plan is to share this card with my boyfriend (9+ years relationship), who also has depression, so he can help guide me through these techniques when I need them.

Last night, however, in the middle of one of his terrifying existential crises, for which none of what I say ever helps very much, I told him, "Let's play a categories game."

He simply said, "Ok." Fuck yeah. He was receptive.

So I told him to name me some colors. Once he got through the rainbow colors, I said, "Don't forget your favorite," to which he smiled and said, "Seafoam green." This opened him up to thinking of more non-ROYGBIV colors. After a minute he stopped and said, "I'm kind of stressing trying to think of more colors."

I said that's ok and had him start naming movies. He got Point Break and every Harry Potter movie, including Deathly Hallows pt. 1 and Deathly Hallows pt. 2. Then he calmly said, "No more movies." He put on his favorite show, Brooklyn 99, and instantly conked out. He almost never falls asleep that quickly. His mind keeps him up for hours.

I'm just so fucking grateful for that class. Not only does it help me, but it also helps me help my loved ones, and that's huge for me. I'm so happy right now and I just wanted to share with someone.