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

Unknown userMember18 June 2018, 2:50 pm AEST

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

Life throws up a range of stressors that can impact us is unique ways. Discomfort isn’t generally something we like to feel so when those strong emotions come along, it can be hard to know what to do to manage.

Distress tolerance is all about learning how to deal with strong emotions. So join us, to answer the question, “how do you cope when you feel like you can’t?”

Share your experiences of coping with uncomfortable emotions. What works? What doesn’t? And what would you like to do more of to support you on your recovery journey? 🐼

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The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

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183 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

HayleyCContributor17 July 2018, 7:16 pm AEST

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

I find that I really hate to feel discomfort - or rather I hate feeling ambiguity about things. Having GAD I find it difficult to not know how situations will be resolved as it causes some anxiety and anxious ideation - so I try to relieve the anxious feelings by distracting myself or 'giving in' to the anxiety and trying to problem solve as much as I can.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

Maree11Casual Contributor17 July 2018, 7:16 pm AEST

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

Yeah also problem wth intense sadness smetmes just manage crying..talking lifeline beyond blue etc hv shower try to eat well ...think of good positive memories images ...

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

SaskiNew Contributor17 July 2018, 7:16 pm AEST

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

Getting time to exercise is important for me to manage

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

utopiaSenior Contributor17 July 2018, 7:16 pm AEST

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

I used to self medicate - alcohol - to not have to experience these feelings. Not drinking anymore.

Othertimes I just try and sleep through it all and ignore it.

Doesn't help.

I find when I am experiencing more than one stressor at a time, that is when I can't cope. Another bill on top of an unexpected expense. Frustration my meds aren't working. That constant negative self talk. People (mum) trying to offer advice (when I don't ask for it). Any little thing can become huge in seconds

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

Sue1New Contributor17 July 2018, 7:17 pm AEST

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

I struggle with managing distress and it can be difficult in various situations when my buttons get pushed. In certain situations I need to be able to change my state - recently it has been suggested I try- taking a breath, reflecting I am responsible for what I say, acknowledging the feeling, then asking is my state serving me in this moment? If not making a choice to be present and deal with the state later in the day eg if at work - when I get home or during lunch break- not always easy for someone with anxiety - I am willing to try anything

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

AdgeSenior Contributor17 July 2018, 7:19 pm AEST

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

Intense despair, guilt, anxiety, & sometimes (rarely) anger.

I would like to run away from, or avoid all of them - although I know that's supposedly not healthy.

Anger feels cataclysmic - so if someone is angry at me (or even if I'm feeling angry), it seems like the end of the world.

Adge

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

emiweenaCasual Contributor17 July 2018, 7:20 pm AEST

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

I'm a parent to 3 small boys and along with the day to day stress of raising children, I've developed quite strong anxiety that I'd like to learn how to manage better.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember17 July 2018, 7:20 pm AEST

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

Noticing the early warning signs that we are headed towards a feeling of distress is such an important part of distress tolerance @HayleyC

That's so true @CheerBear - learning these skills is such an important part of recovery. And, often that learning continues with every step along that journey.

Sounds like there's been a whole lot happening for your lately @ladygrace Being proactive rather than reactive, helps us to feel more in control for sure.

That's an intersting point you raise @Maree11. We all have ways of coping with distress and the key is to replace the strategies that we don't find helpful, with strategies that we do fnd helpful.

Not at all @BlueBay Great to have you here!

Welcome @Sue1 and @Saski

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

adlaide77Casual Contributor17 July 2018, 7:20 pm AEST

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

Pressure at work to do multiple things for multiple people. I can’t think of the name of the feeling. Except AHHHHHH

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Distress Tolerance // Tues 17 July, 7pm AEDT

MoonGalSenior Contributor17 July 2018, 7:21 pm AEST

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

@Sue1 - this is also something I do "acknowledging the feeling, then asking is my state serving me in this moment?"
I call it checking in, I seem to be relatively good at it with low level anxiety when the pressure is internal, but once I ratchet up I am so IN the distress I just seem not to be able to 'catch myself". Even when I know that the situation I am going into is likely to cause distress. I lose all perspective.

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