Following recent events in Las Vegas and Somalia, Dr. Kaz and George discuss common mental health reactions to instances of mass violence as described by the Uniformed Services University Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Dr. Kaz shares common experiences such as grief for the sense of loss of safety and vulnerability. George draws parallels to his time serving as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan and wonders what soldiers may teach us about traumatic stress.

With George's help, Dr. Kaz discusses the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and its difficult and unnecessarily stigmatized history in the field of mental health. The episode features Chuck's essay, which brings this issue to a personal level.

Dear The Mind Deconstructed Podcast Audience,
Episode #5 is on the topic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We discuss how the understanding of this disorder has changed over time.
We'll share  Chuck's story. Chuck suffered his whole life and learned about the diagnosis of BPD at age 60. His essay eloquently describes the impact of going his whole life without being told something many of his treatment providers likely knew.
We were only able to discuss portions of his essay, so he was kind enough to allow his entire essay to be published on this website. I still feel my heart sink every time I read this essay. I'm relieved he finally understands his diagnosis and has acquired the tools necessary to survive and manage symptoms which had previously dominated his life.
Thanks for listening and for bearing witness to Chuck's story.
Kaz