Distress Tolerance: A-C-C-E-P-T-S Adapted from: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (Marra, 2004) Activities Usually engaging in activities is the last thing one wants to do when experiencing intense distress. Making the choice to simply get moving and engage in simple tasks around the house that need to get done (e.g., vacuuming, doing laundry, organizing the closet) is an effective (and non-destructive) way of distracting from temporary intense distress. Contributing Intense negative emotions often get us wrapped up in our own internal dramas to the point that we forget that there is a world outside of ourselves. One way to tolerate distress is to move away from the potential involved in intense emotions by contributing to something outside of yourself. This does not invalidate the pain and distress that is being experienced, but simply redirects self-destructive energy in a healthy direction. Getting involved with others and contributing to external causes can help one regain perspective when it seems like intense distress will never end.
Distress Tolerance: A-C-C-E-P-T-S Adapted from: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (Marra, 2004) Activities Usually engaging in activities is the last thing one wants to do when experiencing intense distress. Making the choice to simply get moving and engage in simple tasks around the house that need to get done (e.g., vacuuming, doing laundry, organizing the closet) is an effective (and non-destructive) way of distracting from temporary intense distress. Contributing Intense negative emotions often get us wrapped up in our own internal dramas to the point that we forget that there is a world outside of ourselves. One way to tolerate distress is to move away from the potential involved in intense emotions by contributing to something outside of yourself. This does not invalidate the pain and distress that is being experienced, but simply redirects self-destructive energy in a healthy direction. Getting involved with others and contributing to external causes can help one regain perspective when it seems like intense distress will never end.