Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Viera.
Hi Monica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was in my twenties, I struggled a lot with borderline personality disorder and consequently, trying to maintain relationships with people in my life (friends, family, romantic interests). This was because of my intensity and dysregulation that existed because of unresolved trauma and my inability to cope. I was in a very lonely place in my life, going through frequent hospitalizations as I felt I was at the whim of my impulses, which were attempts at self-preservation in response to sexual abuse in my childhood. Every time a relationship failed, I really struggled with suicidal ideation, because I felt it was proof that I had not healed from the abuse I had gone through, and felt like a complete failure.
Eventually, I developed a strategy on how to go through life (which I share in my blog) and found my way out of suicidal ideation and hospitalizations, but my heart still goes out to others who struggle with BPD when it is at it’s most intense. I had always wished I had something of comfort when I was dealing with rejection and my peers and family didn’t know how to help me. This is why I created my company, Wellness Care Kits, which are kits designed to help people struggling with BPD help with coping and self-regulation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I still struggle with trusting people and loving myself. But I have developed much better coping mechanisms and regard myself with a lot more compassion and self-love than I have done before. I have completely overcome self-harm and suicidal ideation. It’s also difficult being honest about this because BPD is still very stigmatized and I’ve dealt with lack of compassion/judgment while trying to receive help in the mental health field.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
There is currently no business like mine that exists, who’s sole purpose is to attempt to alleviate the struggles of symptoms of BPD. I curate different gifts in a “Wellness Care Kit” to help people with emotional dysregulation to feel like there are tangible solutions to their problems, so they don’t have to resort to self-mutilation and other self-harm behaviors that are so prevalent with BPD.
Inside these kits, people can find the following:
-125 DBT coping strategies cards
-Renowned therapist, Dr. Daniel A. Fox’s BPD workbook
-A notebook with space to log your moods/progress/plans
-Lavender essential oil and candle (lavender helps with anxiety and self-soothing)
-A nice pen to write with
-A fun coloring book so you can zone out and process what you need to
-Nice color pencils
-An eye mask to relax with (if you freeze it and put it over your eyes, it will slow down your heart rate- thus helping lessen the effects of panic attacks)
-A stress ball to take your frustration out on
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
There is always hope. Do not buy into any propaganda that says “BPD is a life sentence”. This is simply not true- I am living proof that you can go through hospitalizations, self-harm, suicide attempts, and come out the other side stronger and more capable than before. Always remember to see the bright side in things, to love yourself, and not judge yourself for your needs.
Pricing:
- $135 per BPD Break Up Kit for Women
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellnesscarekits.com
- Other: https://bpdcarekits.etsy.com
