Dr Dan Warrender
@danwarrender.bsky.social
PhD, Mental Health Nurse, MBT Practitioner, Lecturer, Researcher, Writer. Interests: philosophy, 'personality disorder' and mental health care. Own views. #MHDeservesBetter
Therapy, Training, Consultancy: https://danwarrender.wordpress.com
Therapy, Training, Consultancy: https://danwarrender.wordpress.com
Pinned
Spaghettification and the Conceptual Black Hole of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Qualitative Discussion Around Competing Meanings Given to the Diagnosis and Their Potential Consequences
This paper explores competing meanings which may arise through receiving a diagnosis of “borderline personality disorder,” discussing how this may impact a person’s treatment and their sense of sel...
doi.org
The 'conceptual black hole of borderline personality disorder': how can BPD be not real mental illness but too unstable for therapy, described as not personality disorder but treated as only personality disorder, and also, borderline of what? Open access: doi.org/10.1080/0161...
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
Here’s a quick reminder that our livestream #WhatTheFuck will be broadcast this evening on YouTube between 8 and 9pm this evening
We’ll be talking about the potentially rich vein of co-creation between punters & professionals
Thoughts happily embraced
www.youtube.com/@SquarePegsUK
We’ll be talking about the potentially rich vein of co-creation between punters & professionals
Thoughts happily embraced
www.youtube.com/@SquarePegsUK
February 10, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Here’s a quick reminder that our livestream #WhatTheFuck will be broadcast this evening on YouTube between 8 and 9pm this evening
We’ll be talking about the potentially rich vein of co-creation between punters & professionals
Thoughts happily embraced
www.youtube.com/@SquarePegsUK
We’ll be talking about the potentially rich vein of co-creation between punters & professionals
Thoughts happily embraced
www.youtube.com/@SquarePegsUK
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
I welcome a shift away from pathologising/medicating distress to something based more on understanding/normalising a human response to distressing experiences.
But help shouldn't be medication or nothing.
This shift needs a whole different kind of support infrastructure that needs investing in.
But help shouldn't be medication or nothing.
This shift needs a whole different kind of support infrastructure that needs investing in.
February 10, 2026 at 7:52 AM
I welcome a shift away from pathologising/medicating distress to something based more on understanding/normalising a human response to distressing experiences.
But help shouldn't be medication or nothing.
This shift needs a whole different kind of support infrastructure that needs investing in.
But help shouldn't be medication or nothing.
This shift needs a whole different kind of support infrastructure that needs investing in.
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
Live this evening evening on #WhatTheFuck we’ll be speaking with Michael bsky.app/profile/ment... and Tony @asifamph (on x) an approved mental health social worker. What should we ask them?
February 3, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Live this evening evening on #WhatTheFuck we’ll be speaking with Michael bsky.app/profile/ment... and Tony @asifamph (on x) an approved mental health social worker. What should we ask them?
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
Are you a #psychiatrist, a #psychologist an #occupationaltherapist. A #mentalhealthnurse or a #socialworker who thinks of people labelled with #AntisocialPersonalityDisorder as #Untreatable?
It’s time to think again
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
It’s time to think again
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Square Pegs Presents... PD²
Society & Culture Podcast · 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 t...
podcasts.apple.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:22 AM
Are you a #psychiatrist, a #psychologist an #occupationaltherapist. A #mentalhealthnurse or a #socialworker who thinks of people labelled with #AntisocialPersonalityDisorder as #Untreatable?
It’s time to think again
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
It’s time to think again
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
This Monday in PD², psychiatrist Jessica tells us about her work with people labelled with #AntisocialPersonalityDisorder
Turns out treating people humanely with compassion and respect reaps rewards for everyone.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Turns out treating people humanely with compassion and respect reaps rewards for everyone.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Square Pegs Presents... PD²
Society & Culture Podcast · 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 t...
podcasts.apple.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:19 AM
This Monday in PD², psychiatrist Jessica tells us about her work with people labelled with #AntisocialPersonalityDisorder
Turns out treating people humanely with compassion and respect reaps rewards for everyone.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Turns out treating people humanely with compassion and respect reaps rewards for everyone.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
There are cliques of people who pull the strings in healthcare. Small networks of powerful people who can let others in, or not. I don't doubt these are good, skilled people, but it's not inclusive. There's talk of valuing diversity & participation, but it's only on terms set by those in power.
January 30, 2026 at 7:10 AM
There are cliques of people who pull the strings in healthcare. Small networks of powerful people who can let others in, or not. I don't doubt these are good, skilled people, but it's not inclusive. There's talk of valuing diversity & participation, but it's only on terms set by those in power.
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
@danwarrender.bsky.social 2 episodes of PD² are out today
#PersonalityDisorder
#DatabaseOfTestimony
#PrejudiceAndDiscrimination
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
#PersonalityDisorder
#DatabaseOfTestimony
#PrejudiceAndDiscrimination
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Square Pegs Presents... PD²
Society & Culture Podcast · 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 t...
podcasts.apple.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:38 AM
@danwarrender.bsky.social 2 episodes of PD² are out today
#PersonalityDisorder
#DatabaseOfTestimony
#PrejudiceAndDiscrimination
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
#PersonalityDisorder
#DatabaseOfTestimony
#PrejudiceAndDiscrimination
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
Like so many people I'm increasingly anxious about Reform.
I see posts basically saying why you'd have to be stupid to vote for them, what idiots they are, mocking people.
This makes me more anxious tbh. It was the same approach with brexit, with Tr*mp. It doesnt work, it just strengthens support.
I see posts basically saying why you'd have to be stupid to vote for them, what idiots they are, mocking people.
This makes me more anxious tbh. It was the same approach with brexit, with Tr*mp. It doesnt work, it just strengthens support.
January 19, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Like so many people I'm increasingly anxious about Reform.
I see posts basically saying why you'd have to be stupid to vote for them, what idiots they are, mocking people.
This makes me more anxious tbh. It was the same approach with brexit, with Tr*mp. It doesnt work, it just strengthens support.
I see posts basically saying why you'd have to be stupid to vote for them, what idiots they are, mocking people.
This makes me more anxious tbh. It was the same approach with brexit, with Tr*mp. It doesnt work, it just strengthens support.
One of the things I'm most looking forward to this year, is having been selected to deliver the annual Skellern Lecture. I plan on discussing how MH nursing may be constrained by ideas of 'nursing', and the relationship with psychiatry. Learn more: www.skellern.info
January 12, 2026 at 3:24 PM
One of the things I'm most looking forward to this year, is having been selected to deliver the annual Skellern Lecture. I plan on discussing how MH nursing may be constrained by ideas of 'nursing', and the relationship with psychiatry. Learn more: www.skellern.info
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
I saw an ad for a role that I reckon a few yrs ago I would have felt compelled to apply for. I'd have thought what an amazing opportunity to have a positive influence, to be right at the heart of system change.
My reaction today was "why would ANYONE take on that role? How could anyone survive it?"
My reaction today was "why would ANYONE take on that role? How could anyone survive it?"
January 8, 2026 at 8:49 PM
I saw an ad for a role that I reckon a few yrs ago I would have felt compelled to apply for. I'd have thought what an amazing opportunity to have a positive influence, to be right at the heart of system change.
My reaction today was "why would ANYONE take on that role? How could anyone survive it?"
My reaction today was "why would ANYONE take on that role? How could anyone survive it?"
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
🎬 New 'personality disorders' video series alert!
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
Join BIGSPD - the British and Irish Group for the Study of 'Personality Disorders'
Exploring Diversity and Inclusion at the BIGSPD Conference 2025
00:00 Gary Lamph - Introduction to the Conference Highlights
00:29 Claire Wiles - The Importance of Diverse Perspectives
01:03 Dan…
youtu.be
January 8, 2026 at 8:15 AM
🎬 New 'personality disorders' video series alert!
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
When people diagnosed with 'borderline personality disorder' are told they are "too unstable for therapy", this harms their self-concept, and also seems to rather bizarrely demand that people get well before they are treated. Explore further, open access: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
January 7, 2026 at 9:51 AM
When people diagnosed with 'borderline personality disorder' are told they are "too unstable for therapy", this harms their self-concept, and also seems to rather bizarrely demand that people get well before they are treated. Explore further, open access: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
When you hear the reality of living with a chronic health condition & anxiety about the future... this isnt the time for clever psychological strategies. It's more real to acknowledge how shit it sounds, & how I think I'd be worried sick too. How it makes sense to feel that way, please tell me more.
January 6, 2026 at 8:49 PM
When you hear the reality of living with a chronic health condition & anxiety about the future... this isnt the time for clever psychological strategies. It's more real to acknowledge how shit it sounds, & how I think I'd be worried sick too. How it makes sense to feel that way, please tell me more.
Aberdeenshire in the snow.
January 4, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Aberdeenshire in the snow.
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
It's a very good thing that staff experience, burnout etc gets talked about more these days.
But... we're still way off in terms of meaningfully intervening.
Still far too much emphasis on individual coping & patching up (easier interventions), rather than making work conditions better (trickier).
But... we're still way off in terms of meaningfully intervening.
Still far too much emphasis on individual coping & patching up (easier interventions), rather than making work conditions better (trickier).
December 22, 2025 at 8:38 AM
It's a very good thing that staff experience, burnout etc gets talked about more these days.
But... we're still way off in terms of meaningfully intervening.
Still far too much emphasis on individual coping & patching up (easier interventions), rather than making work conditions better (trickier).
But... we're still way off in terms of meaningfully intervening.
Still far too much emphasis on individual coping & patching up (easier interventions), rather than making work conditions better (trickier).
Whilst I'm always a little disappointed that fellowship never seems to mean I get to band together with mythical peoples to take a mysterious ring to Mount Doom, I am pleased to have been successful in my application to become a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
December 9, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Whilst I'm always a little disappointed that fellowship never seems to mean I get to band together with mythical peoples to take a mysterious ring to Mount Doom, I am pleased to have been successful in my application to become a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
Speaking with someone who's in pain is very hard. You long for something to do or say that'll lessen the pain. Feels so wrong to not 'DO SOMETHING', & it's easy to get drawn into problem-solving. Takes a lot of gentle strength to 'be with', to sit alongside, to seek to understand 'what is it like?'.
December 8, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Speaking with someone who's in pain is very hard. You long for something to do or say that'll lessen the pain. Feels so wrong to not 'DO SOMETHING', & it's easy to get drawn into problem-solving. Takes a lot of gentle strength to 'be with', to sit alongside, to seek to understand 'what is it like?'.
I leave Malta this morning, having been welcomed by mental health nursing colleagues as I opened their annual conference with a keynote, and delivered some teaching around 'personality disorder' and mentalization to hospital staff. Interesting that challenges for MH nursing are similar.
November 26, 2025 at 5:52 AM
I leave Malta this morning, having been welcomed by mental health nursing colleagues as I opened their annual conference with a keynote, and delivered some teaching around 'personality disorder' and mentalization to hospital staff. Interesting that challenges for MH nursing are similar.
Enjoyed connecting with international colleagues at the mental health nursing leaders summit in Barcelona. The plan is to establish an international council for mental health nursing, and my heart is fully behind this project, but my head wonders how it will work and what impact it can have.
November 22, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Enjoyed connecting with international colleagues at the mental health nursing leaders summit in Barcelona. The plan is to establish an international council for mental health nursing, and my heart is fully behind this project, but my head wonders how it will work and what impact it can have.
The 40th anniversary of 'Commando' (1985), shown in Dundee, for 2 quid, with proceeds going to charity, and a facilitated discussion on men's mental health following the film?
30th November 12pm, all of your dreams come true.
www.citizenticket.com/events/scott...
30th November 12pm, all of your dreams come true.
www.citizenticket.com/events/scott...
Commando (1985) with discussion on men's mental health - Buy tickets
Screening of Commando at Dundee Contemporary Arts, hosted by Mental Health in Movies.
www.citizenticket.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The 40th anniversary of 'Commando' (1985), shown in Dundee, for 2 quid, with proceeds going to charity, and a facilitated discussion on men's mental health following the film?
30th November 12pm, all of your dreams come true.
www.citizenticket.com/events/scott...
30th November 12pm, all of your dreams come true.
www.citizenticket.com/events/scott...
The 40th anniversary of 'Commando' (1985), shown in Dundee, for 2 quid, with proceeds going to charity, and a facilitated discussion on men's mental health following the film? 30th November 12pm, all of your dreams come true. www.citizenticket.com/events/scott...
Commando (1985) with discussion on men's mental health - Buy tickets
Screening of Commando at Dundee Contemporary Arts, hosted by Mental Health in Movies.
www.citizenticket.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The 40th anniversary of 'Commando' (1985), shown in Dundee, for 2 quid, with proceeds going to charity, and a facilitated discussion on men's mental health following the film? 30th November 12pm, all of your dreams come true. www.citizenticket.com/events/scott...
Important all UK nurses feedback. As a mental health nurse, I feel the NMC has no vision for the field, and would be happy to let it silently die. It is difficult for me to donate to a cause which I do not believe supports the work I do #MHDeservesBetter
www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/con...
www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/con...
Consultation on proposals to increase our registration fees
We are consulting on the fees that nurses, midwives and nursing associates pay.
www.nmc.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Important all UK nurses feedback. As a mental health nurse, I feel the NMC has no vision for the field, and would be happy to let it silently die. It is difficult for me to donate to a cause which I do not believe supports the work I do #MHDeservesBetter
www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/con...
www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/con...
Reposted by Dr Dan Warrender
The 'conceptual black hole of borderline personality disorder': how can BPD be not real mental illness but too unstable for therapy, described as not personality disorder but treated as only personality disorder, and also, borderline of what? Open access: doi.org/10.1080/0161...
Spaghettification and the Conceptual Black Hole of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Qualitative Discussion Around Competing Meanings Given to the Diagnosis and Their Potential Consequences
This paper explores competing meanings which may arise through receiving a diagnosis of “borderline personality disorder,” discussing how this may impact a person’s treatment and their sense of sel...
doi.org
October 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The 'conceptual black hole of borderline personality disorder': how can BPD be not real mental illness but too unstable for therapy, described as not personality disorder but treated as only personality disorder, and also, borderline of what? Open access: doi.org/10.1080/0161...
"We intervene to prevent suicide, yet in doing so might restrict an individual's valued freedoms in some very complex ways. These consequences need to be considered as risks in themselves". A short comment piece to provoke thought and attention on relationships, not just risk.
www.magonlinelibrary.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:01 AM
"We intervene to prevent suicide, yet in doing so might restrict an individual's valued freedoms in some very complex ways. These consequences need to be considered as risks in themselves". A short comment piece to provoke thought and attention on relationships, not just risk.