Niki Saks reveals the unfiltered reality of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in her new book: Hiding in the open: Living Sensitively
A combination of struggle and triumph that will bring BPD into focus for so many people living with mental health and personal challenges.
In a world where the stigma surrounding mental health still looms, prominent and highly respected wellness coach Niki Saks, is breaking the silence with her groundbreaking new book. In it, she bravely introduces readers to a profoundly personal and universal topic – the reality of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Titled ‘Hiding in the Open: Living Sensitively’, Niki’s book is a raw and honest exploration of her experiences with BPD, a condition that affects an estimated six percent of the population. Unlike many other books on mental health, Niki’s approach is refreshingly informal, making the reader feel as though they are having a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend. Her writing style engages readers immersing them in the reality of life with BPD and the day to day struggles she faces as a result.
Niki chose to communicate her story in her own casual style as if having a conversation with a friend. Hiding in the Open doesn’t delve into the science behind specific diagnoses but offers an informative and entertaining perspective on living with a mental health condition. Niki’s aim is to share her journey in a way that shows people that it is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life regardless of having a mental illness.
The book explores her journey through life. It is filled with painful and difficult experiences which have contributed to, and amplified, her mental health challenges. She also acknowledges in the book that her set of psychological disorders probably occurred as a result of growing up in a dysfunctional, traumatic, and unstable home.
This manifested in a number of ways through her life including confidence and self-awareness issues, an eating disorder, difficult and dysfunctional relationships, relationship breakdowns, an autoimmune disease, depression, an overdose, and more. In addition, I she also sustained serious life changing injuries from an accident just to add to the already hefty weight of challenges she faced.
Niki covers everything in her book. She showcases the issues she faced and how when she reached a certain point in her life, she was able to reflect, draw strength from within and recognise that she had the power to change her path, embrace her challenges and lead a more productive, loving and enjoyable life.
The book also touches upon the importance of having open conversations about mental health. Niki emphasises the need for empathy and support, especially for those who may be dealing with mental health challenges.
Through her own journey and experiences, Niki Saks hopes to encourage others to speak out about their mental wellbeing and seek the support they need. She believes that self-empowerment and knowledge can help individuals work with all parts of themselves and lead a more fulfilling life.
Hiding in the Open: Living Sensitively is a must-read for anyone looking to gain insight into mental health, self-discovery, and the power of resilience. Her book helps to normalise the issues and challenges that people experience, because they are normal – normal for many people including those with mental health issues.
Niki’s honest story and her message of hope will undoubtedly resonate with readers from all different backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances.
What a story!
I was reading it on a sunny weekend in Cape Town eating my cereal when I read the chapter The Madness. I cried into my milk. Such a touching and moving story. Mental illness is such a topical subject but to actually experience a little of this via the book and to see what Niki has been thru in her life, I am in awe of the woman she has become. I went to the book launch at Exclusive Books and the room was packed. She is obviously loved or everyone is looking for more information. Within 2 days I saw the book had moved to no 1 displacing some huge international titles. A portion of the book deals with a variety of mental illness diagnoses which I found very helpful. Thank you Niki Saks for this incredibly helpful addition to this genre.
Andrew Du Toit
Combination of struggle and triumph
From the vulnerable and thought-provoking title of her book, Niki grabs the reader into her world that is filled with a combination of struggle and triumph. One reads her story without feeling pity for her but instead walks away with empathy and understanding. Reading a story that is based on the vulnerability from lived experience allows for authenticity centered in truth. Niki has successfully told her unedited truth by drawing the reader into her world and her mental health journey.
Dr. Samke Ngcobo – Mental Health Activist and Author
A must-read!
Simply beautiful and raw to the bone, this book is about one woman’s journey of living with BPD; a journey of heartache, honesty, courage, and hope. It’s about finding love and living a life worth living. A must-read for anyone struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder and mental health as it relates.
Jonathan Mitchell – Councillor and DBT Skills Trainer
A journey of reflection and self-awareness
This book took me – as a father of three and 2 broken marriages – on a journey of reflection and self-awareness. The book describes clearly the doubts and many challenges we all have in life, not only personally but in relationships with partners and children. The courage you have had to open up and share your own struggles and life lessons (you had a few!), and put this in writing will surely help many of us for which I want to thank you. It’s a great read and help, as ‘many of us still hide somewhere in the open’.
Ronald de Ruiter – Founder: GrowArabic UAE
What a brave book!
You have been so honest about your situation and so open in sharing. Good luck with it! And thank you again for bringing BPD to focus for so many.
Joanne Hichens – Author and Publisher
It’s a winner!
I have never read a book quite like this before – I was pleasantly surprised and finished it in a couple of days. Mental illness has also impacted the lives of some that are close to me, and we are all affected. The courageous among us are indeed very special people. Thank you for opening my heart and mind to the world I’d known little about. It’s a winner.
Jeff Rubenstein – Business Mentor Australia
A must-read!
Powerful, riveting, relishing, and raw; the truth is laid bare in this book. Niki, you are so bold and brave to acknowledge and face your demons like this to help others. A must-read!
Glynis Du Toit – Confidant UK
Well done!
Very well done for taking ownership of your situation and being so incredibly brave and generous in sharing your story through your book. It is well-written and researched, and I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. You are an incredible person to have overcome all the challenges that life has sent your way. This book must have been hard to write and your determination to find answers has enabled you to reinvent yourself. Well done!
Jenny Holman – Sydney
Truly inspiring and informative!
I have not written a review before but what I can say is that this book is truly inspiring and informative. A journey that was shared with honesty and transparency, and heartbreaking at times. The brave choice to face your shortcomings and fears, and to conquer them step by step is inspiring! I believe many women can relate. May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
Helen – Registered Nurse
