ACCEPTS

ACCEPTS

A DBT skill for Distress Tolerance

Use this skill to help you get through moments of crisis

*The best way to utilize this skill is, when you're calm and not feeling any distress, make yourself a list of specific things you can do that correspond with each of these steps. Thinking of something to distract you when you're in the midst of an emotional storm is incredibly hard, so preparing a reference guide for yourself ahead of time is a way to show up for yourself.

*Corresponding worksheet to help you plan ahead*

A - Activities: Watch a comforting tv show or movie, clean, do a puzzle, any task that requires most of your attention so you can focus mindfully on it rather than your emotional spiral.

C - Contributing: Talk to a friend or family member, help someone with a task like cooking or cleaning.The goal being to focus on being with someone rather than being alone in your thoughts.*This obviously would not be a go-to if the person would further trigger you.

C - Comparisons: Compare this emotional storm to a past, worse experience as a way to remind yourself that you've survived before, and you can do it again. *Again, the point of this is not to further trigger yourself, but to prove to yourself that you're strong enough to get through this moment of distress.

E - Emotions: Activate opposite emotions by watching a funny video or recalling a happy memory.

P - Push Away: Mentally push away the triggering thoughts or situation until you are calmer and more regulated and able to deal with the emotions. Commit, for a few minutes, to picturing your problems going into a small box, closing them in it, shoving the box deep in the back of a closet and closing the door. This exercise is a very short term way to remove the weight from your shoulders.

T - Thoughts: Actively think about something completely unrelated to your triggers. Sing your favorite song from memory, do a crossword puzzle or a math problem.

S - Sensations: Interact with your 5 senses mindfully; hug a stuffed animal or a pet, hold ice in your hand and feel it melt, lay flat on the floor and feel your body pressing into the hard surface.

*The best way to utilize this skill is, when you're calm and not feeling any distress, make yourself a list of specific things you can do that correspond with each of these steps. Thinking of something to distract you when you're in the midst of an emotional storm is incredibly hard, so preparing a reference guide for yourself ahead of time is a way to show up for yourself.

*More DBT Skills Here*

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ACCEPTS DBT Worksheet

*Corresponding DBT Skill*

This worksheet is a way for you to plan ahead and show up for yourself when you're in distress.

Print this out, fill it in and have it as a tangible list of things to take your focus off the emotional storm and avoid harmful coping mechanisms. 

List activities that will take your focus in the moment (for example draw, play a video game, put together a small puzzle)

List things you can do with someone who calms you (for example help with washing dishes, fold laundry, cook a meal)

List 2 times before when you were struggling emotionally and got through it (to remind yourself that you have before and can survive again)

List things you can do to activate opposite emotions (for example watch some funny videos to counteract sadness with laughter)

List numbers you can call for help (For example a crisis hotline, therapist, or loved one)

Bonus Project: Self-Soothing Tool Box 

Fill a small box with anything that you can grab in a moment of stress to occupy your 5 senses.

This can include things like fidget toys, stress balls, mini plushies, small puzzles (25 pieces or so), a laundry sheet or perfume that calms you, a print out of the lyrics to one of your favorite songs, photos of loved ones, a Box Breathing guide, post-it notes with helpful affirmations, and even sour candies or mints.

The goal here is to have a go-to collection of self-soothing assistants so you're not searching and struggling in the midst of your distress.

*More DBT Skill guides here*

Wise Mind

This diagram breaks down the states of mind that we experience.

Please note that neither side is “good” or “bad”; the aim of practicing mindfulness is to combine both and act in your own best interest.

Emotion Mind

Feelings control actions

Can disregard the facts of a situation

Impulsivity based on emotions in the moment

Self-injurious behavior 

Reasonable Mind

Logic controls actions

Detached from emotions

Can invalidate your emotional experience

Wise mind

Combines the facts of a situation with the emotional experience

Helps you process a situation before acting

Mindfulness will help get you here

*More DBT guides here*

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