[kiyoko5]

I have been in therapy for many years. Honestly, my work on my own with DBT books and such has been far more helpful than any therapy I've had, probably because I've never been able to have a good therapist. I've adopted a ton of coping skills, learned how to maintain stable relationships, jobs, etc. The "leftover" for me is: severe and constant suicidal thoughts, severe mood dysregulation, occasional self harm by cutting, burning, scratching or drug use, and a strong difficulty with dealing with my boyfriend leaving, even if only for a little bit.

Two months ago, I started eating super healthy. No white flour, nothing processed, nothing artifical, low sodium, low fat, low sugar, low cholesterol, and mostly gluten free. My diet is about 60-70% fresh fruits and vegetables. I also started taking kickboxing classes 5 days a week. Within about two weeks, I swear to God I was cured. All the leftover stuff was completely gone. It was like slowly, all the gunk stuck in my brain that fogs my thinking lifted, just disappeared. I'm ridiculously happy, my thinking is so clear, I don't hate myself, I don't find myself thinking in black and white. It's like I'm just.... better. It's honestly crazy. I couldn't be more grateful.

Crazy too, is that a bit ago I decided to have a cheat day and got a burrito with lard, sour cream, cheese, a ton of salt, processed ingredients, etc. The next day I woke up furious. I was angry, sad, suicidal, hating everything and everyone. My emotions were all over the place. Within three days, back on my normal diet, I was better again. At that point I was sure how big a difference food was having on my brain and my life and my BPD.

For so long I denied diet and exercise as a contributing factor in my disorder. I felt like my BPD was too serious for dirt and exercise to have any noticeable effect. But I was so incredibly wrong. I wish I had done this sooner, but regardless I am so happy I did it now. I feel like a completely new person.

I'm curious; how many of you have tried an extremely healthy/clean diet and vigorous or moderate exercise? For how long? Did you see/feel results in regards to your BPD? Did you pair it with therapy or other treatments?

[Chuva]

Well yes, I did try that. 3-4 years ago I was going to the gym 4 times a week, and ended up in hospital for depression despite the regular exercise. Now I've been eating very healthy for the past 7 months and I ended up feeling suicidal despite the healthy diet.
So, uhm, no, I wouldn't say a very healthy lifestyle has ever helped me one bit. I'm very happy it works for you, though

I ate healthy and exercised regularly for a year in 2007 / 2008. I lost 65 pounds. But i didn't notice any improvement in my mental health, beyond flickers of pride at what i had accomplished. I didn't notice any improvement in energy, concentration or mood. Glad it's working for you tho, all the power to you!