The DBT skill I personally find the most helpful when experiencing stress is the distress tolerance IMPROVE skill. For example, if I can't sleep I will use imagery to imagine some of my favourite places and it usually helps me calm my nervous system. Relaxation with a warm bath is my go to way to cope when I find myself stressed or overwhelmed.
DBT Distress Tolerance skills are short-term strategies to get through difficult moments. You may need to repeat them and/or try different skills in order to get to a place where you no longer feel anxious, or triggered.
To learn more about DBT skills contact us info@emotionwise.ca to join our next Trauma-Informed DBT Skills group
