It is characterized because the patient goes through periods of mania or hypomania (depending on the intensity) and periods of depression. This mood instability (along with the comorbid disorders that are present in the majority of these patients) makes it very difficult for these people to carry out daily activities and face problems and stressors.
In this article you can find 5 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to make the daily problems that this disorder could cause more bearable.
Stress tolerance skills
These skills can be simply writing in a journal or going for a walk. Activities or coping mechanisms do not allow you to be distracted by negative events and keep you in the present and focused on a task.
Mindfulness
The is a technique used in therapy for, etc. These benefits make it a good strategy for patients with Bipolar Disorder.
Recognizing emotions
In , it is very important that you understand how you feel. Therefore, according to the DBT Skills Workbook, it is key that you know how to recognize your emotions. One way to use this technique is through a list of emotions, where you must mark the ones you are feeling. After doing this, write a paragraph explaining why you feel this particular way. The technique can help relieve thoughts that cause a lot of distress.
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Validation
In addition to keeping a written record of your emotions, another way to understand them is to validate them. In other words, recognize and validate them. Realize they are there and accept them. For example, if you are experiencing a stressful family situation, you can say, “Yes, I’m new. This is the reality right now. However, everything is going to be fine.”
Another DBT technique for patients with bipolar disorder involves setting goals. It is important to have short and long term goals. Establishing them in every aspect of your life will help you improve your state. According to the Dialectical Skills Workbook, the following guidance has been provided for setting long-term goals:
- Make a list of all the interests you have, even if you never did any of them. This is called brainstormingso you should write down everything that comes to mind.
- If you were able to come up with more than one idea, is there one you would like to start with?
- After choosing one, research what is most realistic for you.
- What would be the first steps you would need to take to meet your goal?
- What is the first step you are going to take to work towards achieving your goal?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is an empirically validated treatment for several mental conditions, especially when mood problems exist. Its techniques can help bipolar patients cope with everyday difficulties.
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