How DBT has helped me to manage my mental health

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the most effective and evidence-based forms of psychotherapy available today to help manage mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD. While it has helped many people with managing symptoms of their conditions, it’s also helped me in ways I never would have expected when I first started seeing my therapist. In this article, I will outline the way DBT has helped me to manage my mental health and why you should consider it if you’re struggling with your own condition or symptoms.

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy created by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It is used for individuals with suicidal behaviors, self-harming behaviors, and high levels of emotional distress associated with an inability to cope with painful emotions. In other words, it’s a treatment specifically geared towards dealing with mental illness in a non-judgmental way while focusing on balancing emotion and coping skills. Those suffering from anxiety disorders, Bipolar Disorder (BD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), or Substance Abuse are commonly seen by DBT specialists.

Why should you use DBT?

Dialectical behaviour therapy, or DBT, is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy used to treat mental disorders. As a relatively new form of treatment, it’s been proven in studies to be effective in treating people with borderline personality disorder and those suffering from eating disorders like anorexia. It can also help those suffering from PTSD or who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some people report that using dialectical behaviour therapy has significantly changed their lives for the better by helping them deal with their emotions and behaviours more effectively than other types of psychotherapy. This approach is called dialectical because it deals with opposing principles — in this case, a person’s thoughts and behaviours — working on both at once.

What are some of the skills taught by DBT?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy designed for individuals who suffer from frequent, self-destructive behaviour patterns that are related to a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). When combined with other treatment methods, such as medication and individual or group counselling, it can help alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety.  It was originally developed in 1975 by psychologist Marsha Linehan; since then, over 100 clinical trials have been conducted on its effectiveness.  Today, DBT is often used when treating teens and adults diagnosed with BPD as well as eating disorders, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, suicidal thoughts/attempts, self-harm behaviors and anger management problems. One of its most effective tools are its four main skill sets—mindfulness (accepting things as they are), distress tolerance (coping without acting out), emotion regulation (properly managing emotions rather than acting impulsively based on them) and interpersonal effectiveness (setting appropriate boundaries while making decisions based on personal values).

How does DBT work with different types of mental health issues?

Dialectical behaviour therapy is used to treat a wide range of psychological conditions. Some people use it as an alternative or supplement to traditional therapies and some therapists use it exclusively. It can be particularly effective when dealing with issues such as eating disorders, depression, or borderline personality disorder. An overview of how different mental health conditions respond best will provide greater insight into what kind of help you should seek. It’s important that you don’t make assumptions about how your condition will respond best; speak with your doctor and therapist before making any changes in treatment plan.