Square Pegs Presents... PD²

Chris Young

PD² with Square Pegs is a database of testimony for all the people with a label, or diagnosis of personality disorder who have experienced prejudice and discrimination at the hands of the services whose goal it is to support us. This is a continuation of the work we started with the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, the NCCMH, which is part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom, to challenge the prejudice and discrimination experienced by people with a label, or diagnosis of personality disorder. To be clear, the conversations in the podcast do not reflect the work or opinions of the Royal College or the NCCMH. This work originated from, but is no longer connected to either of those organisations.  PD stands for both ‘Personality Disorder’ and ‘Prejudice and Discrimination’, where ‘Squared’ also reflects our intention to square up to the prejudice and discrimination experienced by so many of us with a diagnosis, or label, of personality disorder.  We have interviewed 35 people so far, two thirds punters - we're reluctant to use the term 'service users' given the paucity of services in the UK for people with the label and a third professionals, all of whom have either witnessed or experienced prejudice or discrimination against this vulnerable group. These first hand experiences have been described as anecdotal for too long - that's why we want to hear and share your testimony to help bring about real and lasting change. I cannot stress this enough - we are nothing without your stories…your testimony… together, we are PD² Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 2 MAR

    Rosie's Testimony

    Welcome back to the podcast. In this Episode Rosie talks about her experiences of having the label of 'Borderline Personality Disorder' and what the work she's doing to understand what the label means to her and how she believes this helps others who are trying to navigate mental health services in the UK. You can find her blog, 'Talking About BPD' here; You can buy her first book, 'Talking about BPD' here; Her latest book, 'The Talking About BPD Workbook' has just been published here As with all the other episodes, there'll be views you may not agree with - have a listen to our introductory episode, so you can get a feel for what we're all about. Every single person I've interviewed so far has either witnessed and/ or experienced prejudice against people with the label by the people charged with our care and society at large. This is a database of testimony for those people. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:26 Rosie's View on the BPD Label 04:44 Prejudice and Discrimination in Mental Health Services 11:30 Diagnosis Experience and Its Impact 21:50 Effective Therapy: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) 32:13 The Role of Compassion in Treatment 41:24 The Importance of Therapist-Patient Relationship 51:56 Strengths and Resilience of People with BPD 01:01:22 Support Systems and Self-Management 01:11:10 Preventing Childhood Trauma and Building Resilience 01:19:03 Authenticity and Self-Disclosure in Relationships 01:22:50 Closing Remarks and Hope for the Future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 25m

  2. 23 FEB

    Paul's Testimony

    In this episode, Chris engages in a deep conversation with Paul, a psychosocial nurse with extensive experience in therapeutic communities. Paul shares insights from his nine years of working with patients diagnosed with personality disorders, emphasising the importance of seeing individuals beyond their labels. He discusses his competitive nature in running and how it reflects his personality, while also highlighting the social aspects of community events like park runs. The conversation shifts to the complexities of working in mental health, particularly the discrimination surrounding personality disorders and the challenges of navigating institutional prejudices. Paul reflects on his experiences in high-security environments and the subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination faced by patients, advocating for a more human-centred approach in mental health care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul and His Background 04:45 The Impact of Labels in Mental Health 11:19 Experiences of Prejudice and Discrimination 19:12 Navigating the Therapeutic Community 27:21 The Role of Outreach Services 36:00 Challenging Institutional Norms 48:14 The Importance of Reflection and Supervision 59:04 Creating a Therapeutic Environment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 44m

  3. 16 FEB

    Daniel's Testimony

    In this episode of PD², host Chris Young engages in a candid conversation with Daniel, who shares his life experiences and struggles with mental health, particularly focusing on his diagnosis of personality disorder. Daniel reflects on his upbringing, the impact of losing family members, and the challenges he faced in navigating mental health services. He discusses the frustrations of being passed from one service to another without receiving adequate help, emphasising the need for a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental health care. Daniel's journey through the criminal justice system and his experiences in prison highlight the systemic issues surrounding mental health treatment, particularly for those labelled with personality disorders. Throughout the conversation, Daniel articulates the importance of personal responsibility in seeking help and the value of community support. He shares insights on how his experiences have shaped his understanding of mental health and the necessity of addressing trauma at its roots. The discussion culminates in a call for a reformed mental health system that prioritises genuine care and understanding, rather than mere containment. Daniel's story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of mental health and the need for empathy in addressing these issues. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Daniel's Story 01:25 Understanding Personality Disorders 03:53 Navigating Mental Health Services 07:33 Experiences in Prison 12:28 The Impact of Trauma 19:07 The Role of Family and Relationships 24:21 The Importance of Community Support 32:13 Seeking Help and Personal Responsibility 35:13 The Need for Mental Health Reform 42:59 Confronting Societal Issues 50:19 Reflections on Life and Growth 59:34 The Power of Group Therapy 01:05:51 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 32m

  4. 9 FEB

    Kevin's Testimony

    In this episode of PD², Chris engages in a candid conversation with Kevin, who shares his journey from being homeless in London to navigating life with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. Kevin recounts his challenging upbringing in Liverpool, the struggles he faced after being thrown out by his parents, and his initial experiences in London, where he found temporary refuge with a friend's family. As the discussion unfolds, Kevin reflects on the feelings of alienation he experienced throughout his life, particularly in relation to his mental health struggles and the prejudice associated with his diagnosis. He emphasises the importance of understanding and compassion in mental health care, highlighting the prejudices he has faced from medical professionals and society at large. The conversation delves into the complexities of labelling mental health conditions, with Kevin advocating for a shift in terminology from 'disorder' to terms that reflect trauma and personal experiences. He shares anecdotes illustrating the misunderstandings and biases he has encountered, particularly in healthcare settings, and the impact these experiences have had on his sense of self-worth and belonging. Ultimately, Kevin's story is one of resilience, as he seeks to find his place in a world that often misunderstands those with mental health challenges. In this episode, Chris and Kevin delve into the complexities of mental health, particularly focusing on the dynamics of therapy and the impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour. Kevin shares his personal journey through therapy, highlighting the challenges of navigating emotions and relationships, especially in a group setting where individuals with antisocial personality disorder come together. He reflects on the importance of understanding one's past and how it shapes present interactions, emphasising the need for a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and emotional growth. The conversation also critiques the concept of 'safe spaces' in therapy, arguing that true healing comes from confronting uncomfortable truths rather than avoiding them. Kevin discusses the role of his therapist, Dr. Jessica Yakely, and the significance of having a supportive partner in his recovery journey. The episode concludes with a call for better parenting practices and community support to prevent the development of severe mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma, advocating for a return to family values and open communication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 43m

  5. 2 FEB

    Jessica's Testimony

    Summary In the inaugural episode of PD Squared, host Chris welcomes psychiatrist Jessica Akely, who specialises in forensic psychotherapy at the Portman Clinic. Jessica explains the nature of forensic psychotherapy, which involves treating individuals who have encountered legal issues, often stemming from violent or sexual behaviours. She emphasises the importance of voluntary participation in therapy, noting that patients who come willingly tend to benefit more from the treatment. The conversation delves into the complexities of working with individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, highlighting the challenges of motivation and the stigma surrounding mental health treatment for this demographic. As the discussion progresses, Jessica shares insights about the effectiveness of group therapy, particularly for men dealing with aggression and violence. She describes how these groups foster meaningful connections among participants, often referred to as the 'family they never had.' The episode also touches on the systemic prejudices faced by individuals with personality disorders, the challenges of communication within mental health services, and the need for a more compassionate, trauma-informed approach to care. Jessica advocates for better training and understanding among professionals to improve treatment outcomes for those with complex mental health needs. Takeaways Patients benefit more when they come to therapy voluntarily. Group therapy can create meaningful connections among individuals with similar struggles. Stigma and prejudice against personality disorders persist in mental health services. Long-term therapy is often necessary for individuals with complex trauma histories. Mentalization-based treatment can help individuals understand their emotions and behaviours. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Forensic Psychotherapy 04:04 The Role of Group Therapy 10:18 Prejudice and Stigma in Mental Health 20:18 Challenges in Communication and Care 29:43 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care 39:29 Good Clinical Practice and Training Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m

  6. 26 JAN

    Tommy's Testimony

    Summary In this episode of the PD Squared podcast, host Chris engages in a conversation with Tommy Tierney, who shares her lived experiences with personality disorder diagnoses and her work in the homelessness sector. Tommy discusses the intersection of mental health, homelessness, and gender-based violence, highlighting the overrepresentation of individuals with personality disorder labels among those experiencing severe disadvantage. She emphasises the systemic issues within mental health services, particularly how diagnoses can serve as barriers to accessing necessary support rather than facilitating treatment. The conversation delves into the prejudice surrounding personality disorders, the challenges faced by individuals seeking help, and the need for a more compassionate and understanding approach from mental health professionals. Tommy articulates the complexities of navigating mental health services, sharing her own experiences of prejudice and the often-punitive nature of treatment for those labelled with personality disorders. She advocates for a shift in perspective, urging professionals to recognise the underlying trauma and distress rather than attributing blame to individuals. The discussion culminates in a call for systemic change, emphasising the importance of listening to and believing individuals in distress, and creating supportive environments that foster healing and understanding. Keywords personality disorder, mental health, homelessness, trauma, stigma, mental health services, gender-based violence, systemic issues, lived experience, support Takeaways "There's a real disconnect between what the person might want and what their agenda is in that." "The problems are being located very much in the individuals and not in the services or lack thereof." "If we do have to have a diagnosis of this kind, it needs to be a result of a proper, thorough rigorous assessment process." "The idea that we are choosing to be this way is just a moral failing." "The impact of trauma is less based on the seriousness of whatever incident it was as the support you get afterwards." "It's not just about the overt trauma; it's about emotional negligence too." "We need to create an environment where it's safe to talk about anything that happens to you." "The system creates a perverse incentive to be high risk to get the help you need." "It's about being heard and cared for, not just treated as a diagnosis." "There's a need for training that breaks the cycle of prejudice and misunderstanding." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tommy Tierney and Her Work 01:25 The Intersection of Trauma and Homelessness 05:08 Prejudice in Mental Health Services 10:46 The Role of Diagnosis in Accessing Care 20:36 Experiences with Crisis Services 30:09 The Impact of Prejudice on Treatment 39:04 Understanding the Roots of Prejudice 51:22 What Good Practice Looks Like 01:01:34 Creating Supportive Environments for Healing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 39m

  7. 26 JAN

    Naomi's Testimony

    Summary In this episode, Chris interviews Naomi Salisbury, the ex-CEO of Self Injury Support, who shares her extensive experience in mental health services and advocacy for individuals with personality disorders. The conversation delves into the discrimination and prejudice faced by those labelled with personality disorders, particularly in mental health settings. Naomi discusses her personal experiences and those of the individuals she supports, highlighting the systemic issues that perpetuate discrimination and the lack of understanding surrounding these diagnoses. She emphasises the need for a more compassionate and curious approach in mental health services, advocating for a shift from punitive measures to supportive, person-centred care that acknowledges the complexities of trauma and mental health. Keywords personality disorder, mental health stigma, self-harm support, trauma-informed care, mental health services, discrimination, advocacy, emotional support, peer support, systemic issues Takeaways 'The removal of curiosity is a huge problem.' 'If you don't know something, just say you don't know.' 'It's about relationships and connecting with people.' 'The system is set up to gatekeep and keep people out.' 'We need to invest in the emotional and psychological level of who gets into these jobs.' 'Being validated and believed at any life stage is crucial.' 'It's not about labelling; it's about understanding the trauma.' 'We need to treat people as individuals, not templates.' 'The tone of communication in mental health services can be hostile.' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Naomi Salisbury and Self Injury Support 02:20 Experiences of Prejudice in Mental Health Services 05:45 The Impact of Labels on Seeking Help 14:13 The Role of Curiosity in Mental Health Care 25:27 The Need for Systemic Change in Mental Health Services 35:45 The Importance of Validation and Support 45:35 Exploring the Future of Mental Health Services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 40m

  8. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Square Pegs Presents... An Introduction to PD²

    Welcome to PD² with Square Pegs, an audio podcast that’s an offshoot of the work we started with the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, the NCCMH, which is part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom, to challenge the prejudice and discrimination experienced by people with a label, or diagnosis of personality disorder. To be clear, the conversations in the podcast do not reflect the work or opinions of the Royal College or the NCCMH. This work originated from, but is no longer connected to either of those organisations.  PD stands for both ‘Personality Disorder’ and ‘Prejudice and Discrimination’, where ‘squared’ also reflects our intention to square up to the prejudice and discrimination experienced by so many of us with a diagnosis, or label, of personality disorder.  This podcast is a database of testimony, where your voice, your story will be cherished and valued for years to come; I’m inviting you to be part of the change we all need.  If you, or you think someone you know would like to be involved with PD², please get in touch.  You can find me, Chris Young, at hello@letswalkamile.org.uk.   Once I hear from you, I’ll send you a short explanation of what to expect as an interviewee.  Remember, we are nothing without your stories…your testimony… together, we are PD².  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

Trailer

About

PD² with Square Pegs is a database of testimony for all the people with a label, or diagnosis of personality disorder who have experienced prejudice and discrimination at the hands of the services whose goal it is to support us. This is a continuation of the work we started with the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, the NCCMH, which is part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom, to challenge the prejudice and discrimination experienced by people with a label, or diagnosis of personality disorder. To be clear, the conversations in the podcast do not reflect the work or opinions of the Royal College or the NCCMH. This work originated from, but is no longer connected to either of those organisations.  PD stands for both ‘Personality Disorder’ and ‘Prejudice and Discrimination’, where ‘Squared’ also reflects our intention to square up to the prejudice and discrimination experienced by so many of us with a diagnosis, or label, of personality disorder.  We have interviewed 35 people so far, two thirds punters - we're reluctant to use the term 'service users' given the paucity of services in the UK for people with the label and a third professionals, all of whom have either witnessed or experienced prejudice or discrimination against this vulnerable group. These first hand experiences have been described as anecdotal for too long - that's why we want to hear and share your testimony to help bring about real and lasting change. I cannot stress this enough - we are nothing without your stories…your testimony… together, we are PD² Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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