The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

DBT

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

Do you feel like you can’t get ahead? Like life is just beating you down, or that challenges are overwhelming you to the point of chronic, debilitating anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, insomnia, or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like your emotions run your life, and you’re exhausted by the ups and downs? If these experiences are familiar to you, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, could be the solution you’re looking for. ‍If you’re unfamiliar with this type of tre

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How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

As concerns rise for our climate and the future of our world, so does the anxiety that’s sweeping the planet. Increases in frequency of widespread wildfires and the length of wildfire season, along with rising temperatures and shifts in weather patterns leave many concerned and considering the long-term consequences for the Earth as well as the mental health of those who inhabit it. ‍The sobering ramifications of climate change are real, and present. It’s normal to react to these with emoti

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

DBT

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions. These disorders take various forms, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Fortunately, therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provide effective treatment options. Additionally, according to the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, there are five significant types of anxiety conditions, which will cover here. This article will delve into five common types of anxiety disorders and discuss how DBT can aid in managing their symptoms.

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DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

DBT

DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

Careers fulfill a number of functions in our lives, including satisfying our need to achieve, bringing us income, creating a sense of belonging and stability, and helping us to feel empowered and accomplished. Therefore, when losing a job (which can often be so integrated with your identity), we can notice an immediate and significant decline in your mental health. According to a Gallup poll in 2013, unemployed Americans are more than 2x as likely to be treated for depression as those with full-

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DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

DBT

DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

Although not frequently discussed when referring to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, self-compassion is a beneficial and powerful side effect of this specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ‍Part of the reason DBT can result in a greater sense of self-compassion is that throughout the DBT modules, students will learn to activate their “wise mind,” which is essentially a stronger and more powerful awareness of yourself, your emotions, your instincts, and yo

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How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

No matter who you are, the reality is that you will eventually deal with stress of some kind. This is a simple fact of human existence. Jobs, children, relationships, health, driving, you name it - everyone will experience stress.‍Unmanaged stress can increase your risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimers’s, depression, GI problems, diabetes, and asthma, along with chronic physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and insomnia. ‍When looking to manage stress, it’s importan

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How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

DBT

How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques are being used in increasing measure in the treatment of various mood disorders and mental health conditions beyond their original intended use (for Borderline Personality Disorder), including for Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a highly recurrent and disabling condition marked by major depressive state and manic episodes. ‍The reason DBT shows evidence of success in treatment of Bipolar Disorder is likely because there is growing reason t

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DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

The Distress Tolerance module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates a number of types of Distress Tolerance skills designed to help distract us and get us through challenging emotions in situations where we feel a loss of control. Decreasing emotional distress as a symptom of situational challenges is one of the primary goals of DBT. There are a number of skills trainings that go into the Distress Tolerance module which can help with this, including: ‍ACCEPTSTIP IMPRO

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DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

Developing a non-judgmental way of thinking is a critical component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, and falls under the Mindfulness module. Mindfulness helps teach participants to observe their own behavior, thoughts and feelings, and to stay grounded and present in the moment. Learning how to do this is the first step in developing new behaviors and making healthy changes. ‍The Mindfulness module of DBT focuses on our need to improve self-observation and awareness th

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DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan in the 1970’s. This structured variation on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy consists of what is often a year-long process of walking through the four main modules, and usually involves both group therapy, individual therapy, and even on-call phone consultations to mitigate crisis situations in the patient’s life as they may arise. ‍While the initial phase of DBT invo

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How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

DBT

How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

If you’ve ever felt your emotions are so completely overwhelming that you can’t restabilize yourself and may return to unhealthy or high risk behaviors, DBT can help.  Helping individuals to cope in crisis situations is one of the primary goals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The skills and tools taught throughout DBT can be used in a variety of circumstances and throughout many daily experiences to minimize stress and reduce emotional suffering. If you’re dealing with a high-st

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Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

DBT

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

Anxiety can be an overwhelming and pervasive mental health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing practical skills for managing distress and regulating emotions, can be useful for those looking to control their anxiety better. This article will highlight three quick DBT skills that can be used to regulate anxiety: "STOP," "TIPP," and "Wise Mind."

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Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

DBT

Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. While PTSD is a serious condition, there are effective ways to minimize its symptoms and regain control over one's life. This article will explore strategies for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including mindfulness, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

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DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

The concept of Radical Acceptance is rooted in the idea that all suffering originated not in pain, but in our attachment to pain. In fact, Radical Acceptance has origins in Buddhism with the tenant that relief from suffering begins first and foremost with acceptance. ‍As a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill, Radical Acceptance refers to the ability to accept our situation when the circumstances are out of our control, which can reduce the suffering we feel. Instead of being attached to our

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DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches critical skills relative to Emotional Regulation, which is arguably relevant for people of all backgrounds, behavior types, and with or without mental health conditions. We can all benefit from greater emotional regulation. ‍While emotions are important and feelings are relative in our relationships and day to day life and processing (they help us communicate and understand our experiences), they can also create a great deal of emotional suffering

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DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is, at its core, founded upon principles of Dialectical thinking, which involves an integration of two foundational opposites: acceptance and change. ‍Learning to think and act in a dialectical manner can open up your thought process and increase your awareness of the different nuances in the world around you, rather than allowing you to exist in extreme black and whites. Extreme highs and lows are what drive many of the mental health conditions DBT is use

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DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a specific type of psychotherapy under the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy umbrella that was curated for Borderline Personality Disorder. However, this type of therapy has been proven to be successful in the treatment of a myriad of other mental health conditions, including but not limited to anyone struggling with: Overwhelming emotions.Impulsive behavior.Self injury.Suicidal thoughts.Substance abuse.Eating disorders.PTSD and other trauma disorders.&nbsp

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How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

DBT

How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

Over 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are generally classified as a type of mental illness characterized by harmful behaviors related to food. Those with eating disorders (such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, ad more) usually struggle with impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, negative body image, and even coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. ‍Eating disorders are the second most deadly mental illness (the first is

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How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

DBT

How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

These days over 18% of US adults are living with an anxiety disorder. For many people living with chronic anxiety, experiencing a daily, significant and ongoing sense of fear or anxiety can lead to restlessness, panic attacks, isolation, poor sleep, and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, body aches, stomach pain, and more. These and a host of other symptoms can be debilitating and may significantly decrease the sufferer’s quality of life. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usu

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, decreased interest in activities, and difficulty functioning daily. While there are many treatment modalities for depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective in providing individuals with tools to manage their symptoms. This article will delve into the ways DBT can aid in coping with depression.

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Male Borderline Personality Disorder: Identifying the Symptoms and Understanding the Differences

BPD

Male Borderline Personality Disorder: Identifying the Symptoms and Understanding the Differences

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. While BPD affects both men and women, the presentation of symptoms can vary between genders. This article will focus on male BPD, highlighting the unique symptoms and challenges that men with this condition may face.

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Recognizing Borderline Personality Disorder Episodes: Key Signs and Symptoms

BPD

Recognizing Borderline Personality Disorder Episodes: Key Signs and Symptoms

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by unstable emotions, impulsive behaviors, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Individuals with BPD may experience episodes marked by intense emotions and distress, significantly impacting their daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. This article will explore the key signs of a BPD episode, providing valuable insights to help recognize and support those experiencing such challenging periods.

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Borderline Personality Disorder and Empathy: Dispelling Myths and Exploring the Emotional Landscape

BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder and Empathy: Dispelling Myths and Exploring the Emotional Landscape

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, relationship difficulties, and impulsive behavior. BPD affects how individuals perceive themselves and others, often leading to challenges in interpersonal relationships. One common question surrounding BPD is whether individuals with this condition have empathy. This article will explore the complex relationship between BPD and empathy, dispelling common misconceptions and providing a more nuanced understanding of the emotional experiences of people with BPD.

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Borderline Personality Disorder and Impulsivity: Understanding the Connection and Managing Symptoms

BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder and Impulsivity: Understanding the Connection and Managing Symptoms

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, relationship difficulties, and impulsive behavior. Impulsivity is a core feature of BPD and can manifest in various ways, such as engaging in risky activities, making impulsive decisions, and having difficulty controlling urges. This article explores the connection between BPD and impulsivity and strategies for managing impulsive behaviors.

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Can Borderline Personality Disorder Go Away? Understanding the Path to Recovery

BPD

Can Borderline Personality Disorder Go Away? Understanding the Path to Recovery

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, relationship difficulties, and impulsive behavior. Individuals with BPD often have difficulty managing their emotions, leading to intense mood swings, self-destructive actions, and conflicts with others. While BPD can be challenging to manage, understanding the disorder and its potential for improvement is crucial for those affected and their loved ones.

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Borderline Personality Disorder and Hypomania: Understanding the Overlap and Differences

BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder and Hypomania: Understanding the Overlap and Differences

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by unstable emotions, impulsive behavior, and relationship difficulties. Hypomania, conversely, is a milder form of mania experienced by individuals with bipolar disorder. Although these conditions are distinct, there can be some overlap in symptoms, leading to confusion or misdiagnosis. This article will explore the similarities and differences between BPD and hypomania and discuss strategies for managing symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.

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Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsession: Understanding and Managing Intense Emotions

BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsession: Understanding and Managing Intense Emotions

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviors. One aspect of BPD that often goes unrecognized is the tendency for individuals with this disorder to develop obsessive thoughts and behaviors. This article will explore the relationship between BPD and obsession, discussing the reasons behind this connection and offering practical tips for managing these intense emotions.

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Supporting a Partner with Borderline Personality Disorder: Tips for Navigating the Emotional Landscape

BPD

Supporting a Partner with Borderline Personality Disorder: Tips for Navigating the Emotional Landscape

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotional fluctuations, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and impulsivity. Being in a relationship with someone with BPD can be challenging, but understanding the disorder and employing effective strategies can help partners navigate the emotional landscape and foster a loving, supportive partnership.

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Splitting in Relationships: Navigating the Impact of Borderline Personality Disorder on Partnerships

BPD

Splitting in Relationships: Navigating the Impact of Borderline Personality Disorder on Partnerships

Splitting is a defense mechanism often seen in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It involves the polarization of people or situations into "all good" or "all bad" categories, making it difficult for those with BPD to maintain stable relationships. This article explores the concept of splitting in relationships, its impact on both partners and strategies for coping with and overcoming the challenges posed by BPD-related splitting.

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Understanding Switching in Borderline Personality Disorder: Causes, Manifestations, and Coping Strategies

BPD

Understanding Switching in Borderline Personality Disorder: Causes, Manifestations, and Coping Strategies

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. One of the lesser-known aspects of BPD is the phenomenon of "switching," which refers to rapid shifts in mood, identity, or behavior. This article explores switching in BPD, including its causes, manifestations, and coping strategies.

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Path to Recovery: Strategies for Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD

Path to Recovery: Strategies for Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. While there is no definitive "cure" for BPD, individuals can significantly improve their symptoms and quality of life by engaging in comprehensive treatment, developing effective coping strategies, and maintaining a strong support system. This article provides an overview of the various strategies that can contribute to long-term recovery and symptom management.

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Thriving Together: Living with Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD

Thriving Together: Living with Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder

Living with someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be challenging due to the emotional instability and relationship difficulties often associated with this mental health condition. To create a supportive and harmonious living environment, developing a deep understanding of BPD, its symptoms, and the challenges it presents is crucial. This understanding lays the foundation for compassionate coexistence and fosters a nurturing home life for both individuals.

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Dysregulation and Borderline Personality Disorder: Understanding the Connection and How to Cope

BPD

Dysregulation and Borderline Personality Disorder: Understanding the Connection and How to Cope

Dysregulation, or the inability to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, is a core characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This mental health condition often leads to intense emotional instability, impulsivity, and a shifting sense of self, making it challenging for individuals with BPD to navigate their daily lives. Understanding the connection between dysregulation and BPD can help individuals with the disorder and their support network better cope with the symptoms and work towards a healthier, more stable life.

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Road to Recovery: Can Borderline Personality Disorder Be Treated?

BPD

Road to Recovery: Can Borderline Personality Disorder Be Treated?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense emotional instability, difficulty maintaining relationships, impulsivity, and a shifting sense of self. The challenges associated with BPD can significantly impact an individual's life, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, it is important to recognize that BPD is treatable, and with the right approach, individuals with the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

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Empowering Yourself: Strategies for Dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD

Empowering Yourself: Strategies for Dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotional experiences, unstable relationships, a fluctuating sense of self, and difficulties with impulse control. Dealing with BPD can be challenging, but with the right tools and resources, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms, foster healthier relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives.

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How Borderline Personality Disorder Affects Relationships

BPD

How Borderline Personality Disorder Affects Relationships

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotional experiences, unstable relationships, and difficulties with self-image and identity. These features can significantly impact how individuals with BPD form and maintain relationships, often leading to turbulence and challenges for both the person with BPD and their loved ones.

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Understanding and Managing Rage Triggers in Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD

Understanding and Managing Rage Triggers in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by intense emotional experiences, which can manifest as sudden and overwhelming feelings of rage. Various factors can trigger these episodes of anger and can have significant consequences on an individual's relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Understanding rage triggers in BPD is essential for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate these intense emotional outbursts.

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A Historical Overview of Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD

A Historical Overview of Borderline Personality Disorder

The history of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be traced back to the early 20th century when psychiatrists began observing patients with symptoms that didn't fit neatly into existing diagnostic categories. In the 1930s, American psychoanalyst Adolph Stern coined the term "borderline" to describe patients who seemed to exist between neurosis and psychosis. At this time, BPD was not yet recognized as a distinct personality disorder, but the concept of "borderline" patients began to gain traction among mental health professionals.

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Explaining Borderline Personality Disorder Like I'm Five

BPD

Explaining Borderline Personality Disorder Like I'm Five

Imagine you have a friend who sometimes feels sad, gets upset easily, or gets angry without reason. This friend might need help making friends or keeping them. If your friend is like this, they might have something called Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD for short. In this article, we'll talk about BPD, why some people have it, and how we can help them feel better.

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Exploring Mania & Manic Symptoms in Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD

Exploring Mania & Manic Symptoms in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, impulsive behavior, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Conversely, Mania is typically associated with bipolar disorder and is characterized by periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive or risky behavior. While mania is not a diagnostic criterion for BPD, some individuals with BPD may experience symptoms that resemble those of mania, leading to confusion and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This article will explore the relationship between mania and BPD, discuss the views on manic symptoms in individuals with BPD, and provide guidance on managing these symptoms.

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