Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Resource Bundle (386 pages)

Distress tolerance is the ability to recognize and accept emotional distress without trying to make it go away or avoid emotions. It is a persons aability to manage an emotional incident without feeling overwhelmed It involves the understanding that sometimes emotional distress is inevitable and learning how to ride out difficult feelings without turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some strategies for developing distress tolerance include: mindfulness, self-soothing techniques, distraction techniques, improving communication skills, and learning to accept reality. It IS important to remember that distress tolerance is a skill that can be learned, and it can help us manage difficult emotions healthily. Distress Tolerance EXPLAINED DBT& MINDFULNESS Defined WINDOW OF TOLERANCE MANAGING OVERWHELING & UNCOMFORTABLE EMOTIONS The Window of Tolerance refers to the zone you can be in when your emotions are balanced and controlled, and you are thinking clearly and reacting rationally. A window of tolerance is an important concept to consider when managing stress, anxiety and trauma. To maintain a healthy window of tolerance, it is important to learn healthy coping skills and to identify the signs of stress early. Learning to recognize and manage stress can help you stay within your window of tolerance and manage stressful situations with greater ease.