Week of October 25th

OVERSTIMULATION

BOO! Much like the spooky surprises of a ghostly greeting, different aspects of our environment can be overwhelming.There are many instances during our daily routine that can be too activating. When our bodies are overactivated, we might experience fear, panic and restlessness.

What could trigger an overactivation in our bodies? Think about your five senses: hearing, touching, seeing, smelling and tasting. Sounds can generate an unsettling surprise, such as a loud yell or a rumble of thunder. Certain sensations on our skin can create an unnerving feeling, like a bug bite or a rough fabric. Dark spaces may cause our heart to palpitate or a nasty smell may cause our stomach to ache. Even a spicy taste can overwhelm our bodies by making it sweat.

This week we want to review a DBT skill that helps stop intense feelings of overstimulation from growing. The skill is called TIPP. The “T” represents tipping the temperature. If you are overstimulated, grab ice, or an ice pack, to lower your distress. The “I” represents intense exercise. Can you run up and down two flights of stairs if your body is overactivated? The first “P” represents paced breathing. To lower your distress with breathing, shorten your inhale to four seconds, and extend your exhale to six seconds. Finally, the second “P” represents paired muscle relaxation. Sometimes the key to managing overstimulation can be found in letting go of tension in our bodies by shrugging your shoulders as you breath in and releasing them as you breath out.

If you are at home or out trick-or-treating we would love to hear how you utilize your TIPP skills to feel less overstimulated.

WORDS OF WISDOM

MEME OF THE WEEK

COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
How has suicide impacted your life?