Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

What else would you like to try out to improve your distress?
I have copied and pasted down all the great suggestions here with a few notes to myself for tommorrow to read through and really start to get some strategies in place to help myself.

But number ONE I think is to remember that i have faced very difficut times before, or problems, or psychologies and have, by being present to them and with compassion (thanks @ladygrace) being my own gentle leader can sort this lot out too.

That sounds like a great read @MoonGal Might have to pick up a copy myself ☺️

Counting to 10 is another great strategy. Puts a bit of distance between ourselves, the emotion, and how we choose to respond.

Would be interested to hear more from you too @Appleblossom What strategies do you think are useful from a neurodiverse perspective?

Self compassion can be really powerful @ladygrace Often we think if we are critical of ourselves, it will motivate us. When actually it ends up leaving us feeling worse and more distressed. Compassion in that way, can be a really important attitude to cultivate in the context of distress tolerance.

That's another great grounding strategy there @Swisschoc1 Takes us out of the emotion and thoughts and back into the present moment.

More walking for exercise - immediately, or at time of distress would help me. Not always possible.

I do 3 hours of yoga classes (2 classes) every week, that definitely helps.

I usually come out of class feeling more centred, more relaxed, & less anxious or distressed.

Adge

Some of my self-soothing strategies include taking a pamper shower, so giving time for a special hair treatment, face mask, and other special treatments.

I also find a walk helps, sometimes I talk to my support person about my 'big' feelings and getting validation or advice, I might watch something on dvd or Netflix.

There are a couple of other members in the forum that we actually watch a series at the same time!!

I find chatting on here with people that get what I am going through really helps when I am highly distressed - it is the sharing of emotions and knowing that I have gotten through similar before does help

Using your care box - can't remember it's name - soothing box. I have a dressing gown I wear or hold. It is such super soft material and feels very calming when i run my hands softly over it. I think it helps by being a gentle soothing feelling, after the intensity that distress can bring.

Coping Box @utopia?

Sometimes we feel distressed about situations that we can have control over or can do something about. In these circumstances it can be worth trying to productively problem solve as a way to improve our distress. This can be tricky to do, so it’s best done at a time when we are able to tune into our thinking mind in order to think clearly and rationally about a way forward.

Have there been times when you’ve noticed that what’s causing you distress is something you can change? How do you problem solve difficulties in your life?