Before we get into the skills you will use in DBT therapy at Lido Wellness Center, we need to overview what DBT is briefly. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that was first used to treat Borderline Personality Disorder.

When we say it is cognitive-behavioral therapy, that basically means you change your thoughts (cognitive), which will change your actions (behaviors). It seems simple, and maybe that’s why it’s so effective.

DBT Skills for Mental Illness

But with this in mind, that is why skills are a part of the equation. When you do things, take actions, or change thoughts, you can create a skill that helps you accomplish this again.

Of course, since its inception, DBT skills have proven helpful in a wide range of mental health issues. These include but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

DBT Basics

One of the unique factors of DBT skills is the use of Eastern mindfulness practices. It goes beyond thinking patterns (like you might see in CBT) and moves into thinking and practicing. You can see it as more of a holistic approach to the mind. It helps you balance acceptance and change, hence the term “dialectical.”

7 DBT Skills

If you decide to take the DBT path, there will be a great deal to learn and acquire. But here are some skills if you are already on it or would like to sample some of what might be included in the active part of DBT. Ultimately, some guidance with these will truly make a great deal of difference. But feel free to give these a try.

These skills are divided into four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each skill is a tool you can use to navigate life’s ups and downs.

1.      Mindfulness: Observing

• What it is: Observing is about noticing your environment and internal states without judgment. Think of it as tuning into your radio station.
• Beneficial for: Anxiety, Depression
• Why it helps: Observing your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them can reduce stress and improve your overall mental clarity.

2.      Mindfulness: Describing

• What it is: Describing involves putting words to your experiences. It’s like being a play-by-play commentator for your own life.
• Beneficial for: PTSD, OCD
• Why it helps: This skill helps recognize and name emotions and thoughts, which can be a first step in managing them effectively.

3.      Distress Tolerance: TIP (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing)

• What it is: This skill involves using physical techniques to reduce distress quickly. Imagine plunging your face into a bowl of cold water (temperature) or doing a quick exercise.
• Beneficial for: Panic Attacks, Impulse Control Disorders
• Why it helps: These activities can quickly trigger physiological changes that calm your mind and body.

4.      Distress Tolerance: Radical Acceptance

• What it is: This is all about accepting things as they are, not as you wish. It’s the Zen of DBT.
• Beneficial for: Chronic Pain, Persistent Mental Health Issues
• Why it helps: By accepting reality, you can reduce suffering and begin to move forward rather than getting stuck in a cycle of denial and resistance.

5.      Emotion Regulation: Opposite Action

• What it is: This involves doing the opposite of what your emotions tell you—feeling like isolating yourself? Go out and socialize instead.
• Beneficial for: Depression, Social Anxiety
• Why it helps: This skill helps break negative behavioral patterns and reinforce positive actions, even when you don’t feel like them.

6.      Emotion Regulation: Checking the Facts

• What it is: This skill verifies whether your emotional reactions match the situation. It’s like being your fact-checker.
• Beneficial for: Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Why it helps: By aligning your emotions with reality, you can avoid overreacting and reduce unnecessary emotional suffering.

7.      Interpersonal Effectiveness: DEAR MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate)

• What it is: This skill is a blueprint for effective communication and getting what you want respectfully.
• Beneficial for: Relationship Issues, Assertiveness Problems
• Why it helps: DEAR MAN can help you navigate interpersonal relationships more effectively, ensuring your needs are met while respecting others.

Find DBT Skills Help in Southern California

DBT is helpful for a range of mental health issues. From observing your thoughts like a curious bystander to using DEAR MAN to assert your needs, these skills are designed to help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Of course, while this is some solid information (so a little beyond the tip of the iceberg), it is best used in conjunction with a mental health plan and program in place.

If you want to hear more about what DBT skills can do for you, call Lido Wellness. Our highly qualified team is ready to chat with you about the various options you have in the Lido program. Call today: 949-541-8466.

The term neurotic. … Yes. It’s a word that pops up in casual conversations, often tossed around with a chuckle or a shrug. “It’s just my neurotic behavior.”

But when we peel back the layers, we find a concept that is both rich in history and significant in the realm of psychology. It’s a term that holds weight, including a spectrum of experiences that many find both challenging and enlightening.

Understanding Neuroticism

First, let’s clarify what we mean by “neurotic behavior.” Originally, the term neurotic was linked to a range of mental and emotional states that could interfere with daily functioning. Today, psychologists view neuroticism as a personality trait rather than a disorder.

What is neurotic behavior? It describes a higher-than-average tendency to experience feelings such as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, frustration, envy, jealousy, guilt, depressed mood, and loneliness.

Interestingly, neuroticism isn’t just doom and gloom. Those who score high in this trait are often incredibly sensitive to their environments. Yes, this means they may get overwhelmed by stress more easily, but it also means they’re often empathetic, perceptive, and richly introspective.

The Neurotic Behavior Spectrum

Now, regarding behavior, neuroticism can poke its head out in your live in various ways. For some, it shows up as obsessive thinking or worrying. Others might find themselves frequently upset or emotionally reactive.

Importantly, these behaviors are not just quirks—they can be signals, whispers of our psyche telling us to pay attention.

Moreover, this trait can affect relationships and social interactions. People that are considered high in neuroticism may require more reassurance from others and might struggle more with criticism or conflict.

However, they are also often very attuned to the needs and feelings of others, navigating social waters with a keen sense of empathy.

Why It Matters

Understanding the essence of neurotic behavior helps us navigate our mental landscape and manage our interactions with others. When we see patterns in ourselves, we can harness our sensitivities and work on our challenges. Furthermore, for those who feel the weight of their emotions deeply, understanding this aspect of personality can be a source of relief.

It’s not that there’s something “wrong” with you—it’s just a different way of experiencing the world. In fact, it is your strength of feeling coming out in unique ways.

Coping Strategies for Neurotic Behavior

So, how can someone high in neuroticism thrive? Here are five practical tips:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness can be a game-changer. It involves being present in the moment, aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Meditation, even a few minutes a day, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Structured Problem-Solving

When worries seem to take over, a structured approach to problem-solving can help. Break down your concerns into manageable parts. Determine what you can control, develop a plan for those aspects, and try to let go of what you can’t control.

3. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise isn’t just good for the body. It’s potent medicine for the mind. Regular physical activity can help manage anxiety and depression. It’s also a powerful tool for stress relief.

4. Journaling

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for expressing what’s inside. It can also help you track patterns and triggers in your mood, providing valuable insights into your emotional cycles.

5. Seeking Professional Help

Lastly, there’s profound strength in seeking help. Therapy can provide critical support and tools to manage anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and boost overall mental health.

Let’s explore two effective therapeutic approaches and an intensive treatment option that can make a significant difference in neurotic behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for those experiencing high levels of neuroticism. This form of therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that can drive anxiety and emotional distress. CBT helps individuals create more positive and productive mindsets by replacing these negative thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.

Through CBT, patients learn specific skills that can be used to decrease their emotional reactivity to stressors. These include techniques for calming the mind and body, thus disrupting the feedback loop that perpetuates worry and rumination.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing is another therapeutic approach that can be particularly helpful for those who find that anxiety manifests physically as well as emotionally. This form of therapy is based on the understanding that trauma and stress can become trapped in the body and that through specific exercises and awareness techniques, individuals can release these tensions.

Somatic Experiencing focuses on bodily sensations and helps individuals reconnect with their physical experiences in a safe and measured way.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Neurotic Behavior

For those needing more comprehensive support, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for mental health might be the best course. An IOP gives focused treatment without the need for full-time hospitalization.

These programs typically involve several hours of therapy per week, providing group and individual counseling, and skills training sessions.

This setup is particularly beneficial for managing neurotic behaviors. It provides ongoing support and reinforcement of therapeutic strategies, helping individuals make substantial progress toward emotional stability.

Embracing the Journey

While high neuroticism can mean a heightened battle with negative emotions, it also offers profound depths of emotional and interpersonal insight. By embracing this trait, understanding its implications, and employing strategies to cope, individuals can not only navigate their internal world more effectively but also enrich their relationships with others.

Remember, in this intricate tapestry of human experience, every thread has its unique color and texture. Neuroticism, with all its challenges and gifts, is a crucial part of the broader human condition. So, let’s approach it with kindness, curiosity, and an open heart.

Get Mental Help in Newport Beach

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress? You’re not alone. Lido Wellness offers compassionate, professional help to manage your emotions and enhance your mental well-being.

Discover the benefits of therapy tailored to your unique personality traits. Call us today at 949-541-8466 and take the first step towards a calmer, more centered you.

In the wide range of human personality, there’s a bit of a spectrum that expands from the quietly introspective to the vibrantly expressive. Somewhere along this spectrum lies a pattern of behavior that can be as bewildering as it is flamboyant: Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). Here we explore what it is and some of the symptoms of histrionic personality disorder.

Histrionic Disorder as Center

Histrionic Personality Disorder is like a dance performed under the bright lights of the stage, where every step, every twirl is an effort to capture and hold the gaze of the audience. It’s a condition characterized by a deep-seated need for attention, colorful and often dramatic expressions of emotion, and an ability to charm that can be as dazzling as it is disarming.

Those with HPD are the storytellers, the heart of the party, yet behind the sequins and the smiles, there’s a profound fear of being ignored or forgotten.

Histrionic Disorder Symptoms

But what does this look like in the day-to-day life of a person? Imagine someone who, even in the quietest moments, needs “more.” More color, more drama, more everything. They’re often perceived as insincere or shallow, not because they lack depth, but because their intense emotions can seem overwhelming or unfocused. Their relationships might be a carousel of highs and lows, marked by a constant search for approval and affection.

Here’s a List of Potential Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder :

1. Constantly Seeking Reassurance or Approval: An unyielding desire for others to acknowledge and affirm them.
2. Excessive Emotionality: Demonstrating emotions that are exaggerated and often rapidly shifting, more theatrical than genuine.
3. Inappropriately Seductive or Provocative Behavior: Engaging in behaviors or appearances that are designed to draw attention, often in sexually suggestive ways, regardless of the appropriateness of the context.
4. Overly Concerned with Physical Appearance: A preoccupation with looks and perceived attractiveness, often to the point of obsessiveness, believing that physical appearance is their key to being noticed.
5. Perceiving Relationships as More Intimate Than They Are: Misinterpreting or exaggerating the depth of relationships, thinking of acquaintances as “best friends” or describing casual interactions as deeply meaningful.
6. Highly Suggestible: Easily influenced by others or by current trends, showing a low threshold for conformity under social pressure or persuasion.
7. Difficulty Achieving Emotional Intimacy: Despite a flamboyant and open demeanor, there’s often a shallow emotional experience and a struggle to form genuine, deep emotional connections.
8. Use of Physical Appearance to Draw Attention to Self: This can include dressing provocatively or exhibiting behaviors specifically designed to make themselves the center of attention.
9. Dramatic, Theatrical Speech: Expressing emotions in an exaggerated fashion, with speech that lacks detail and is more geared towards creating an impression than conveying facts.
10. Easily Frustrated by Lack of Attention: Demonstrating irritability or discomfort when they are not the center of attention or when others are receiving recognition.
11. Manipulative Behavior to Meet Own Needs: Utilizing emotional manipulation or dramatic flair to influence the behavior of others to serve their own needs or desires.

How Can You Tell if Someone Has Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Can you test for HPD? Unlike checking for a fever with a thermometer, understanding HPD involves a more nuanced approach. Mental health professionals use criteria outlined by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) to diagnose HPD, relying on a combination of interviews, observations, and sometimes psychological testing to paint a comprehensive picture of a person’s emotional landscape.

Now, you might wonder, is there a crossover with narcissism? Yes and no. While both HPD and Narcissistic Personality Disorder thrive on the sunlight of attention, they bask in it for different reasons. The narcissist seeks admiration to feed their grandiose self-view, while the histrionic seeks validation of their worth and existence.

It’s like comparing two different flowers in the garden of personality disorders; both need the sun, but they bloom in their own unique ways.

Treating Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder

Can HPD be treated? The answer is a hopeful yes. Treatment is a path walked together with a therapist, often involving psychotherapy to explore the roots of emotional expression and to develop healthier ways of relating to oneself and others. It’s about learning to see oneself not as a performer on the stage of life, needing constant applause, but as a person of worth, even in the silence.

IOP for Histrionic Personality Disorder

This is where an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for mental health can be quite effective. An IOP offers a structured yet flexible environment where individuals can engage in therapy while continuing with their daily lives. For someone with HPD, it offers a space to explore their emotions, understand their need for attention, and learn healthier ways to seek connection and validation. It’s a journey from seeking the spotlight to finding the light within, from performing for love to being loved for who they are.

In the end, Histrionic Personality Disorder is not a label to be feared or shunned. It’s a call to understand, to empathize, and to support. It’s about helping individuals find their true colors, not just the bright ones they wear for the world to see.

In the heart of someone with HPD lies a deep need for connection, a yearning to be seen and loved for who they truly are. And in this journey of understanding and healing, there’s a place for all of us to offer compassion, support, and a listening ear. After all, isn’t that what being human is all about?

Do you have more questions about HPD and how to treat it? Call Lido Wellness today. Our team of professionals are ready to offer insight and a potential path for treatment. Call: 949-541-8466.

In a culture obsessed with mirror reflections and selfie perfection, there lurks a misunderstood and often hidden issue: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). It’s not just about being skinny or fat; it’s a complex mental health condition that distorts a person’s perception of their body, leading to significant distress. And there are various body dysmorphia symptoms that come along with it.

Understanding BDD

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is like living in a carnival mirror room, where the reflections are twisted and exaggerated. Individuals with BDD are preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, often nonexistent or minor to others. It’s a relentless pursuit of an unattainable physical ideal, a mirage that keeps moving farther away the closer one gets. What are the common body dysmorphia symptoms?

Body Dysmorphia Symptoms

1. Obsessive Focus on Perceived Flaws: Individuals may fixate on specific body parts – the nose, skin, hair, or overall body shape. It’s an endless loop of scrutiny and dissatisfaction.
2. Compulsive Behaviors: Mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, or seeking reassurance, these rituals are attempts to alleviate the distress but often reinforce the anxiety.
3. Avoidance: Avoiding social situations, photographs, or mirrors due to intense self-consciousness.
4. Emotional Turmoil: Feelings of shame, guilt, and intense distress about one’s appearance can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

The Skinny-Fat Dichotomy Myth

BDD is not just a disorder of wanting to be skinnier or rejecting fatness. It’s a complex condition where the focus can be on any body part or perceived flaw, regardless of a person’s actual weight or shape. It’s a distorted self-image where the mind’s eye sees a vastly different picture than what’s in the mirror.

The dangers of BDD are profound. It can lead to social isolation, difficulties in relationships, and problems at work or school. The risk of developing eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm behaviors is significantly higher. The biggest danger, however, is the risk of suicide. The pain of living in a body perceived as deeply flawed can drive individuals to desperation.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Self-Assessment Test

Disclaimer: This test is not a diagnostic tool. It is designed to help you identify if you might have symptoms consistent with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Only a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Please answer the following questions honestly:

1. Preoccupation with Appearance
   • Do you find yourself excessively worried about a specific aspect of your appearance that others say is minor or non-existent?
2. Repetitive Behaviors
   • Do you engage in behaviors like mirror checking, excessive grooming, or skin picking, related to your appearance concerns?
3. Impact on Daily Life
   • Have your concerns about your appearance significantly impacted your social life, work, or daily activities?
4. Emotional Distress
   • Do your concerns about your appearance cause you significant distress, anxiety, or depression?
5. Avoidance
   • Do you tend to avoid social situations, photographs, or mirrors due to discomfort with your appearance?
6. Time Consumption
   • Do you spend an hour or more every day thinking about your appearance flaw?
7. Seeking Reassurance
   • Do you frequently seek reassurance about your appearance from others, but never feel satisfied with the responses?
8. Past Interventions
   • Have you sought cosmetic procedures or constantly tried different treatments for your appearance concern with little satisfaction?

Scoring:

• If you answered “Yes” to multiple questions, especially those related to preoccupation, distress, and impact on daily life, it may indicate body dysmorphia symptoms are present.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): A Stepping Stone to Healing

Acknowledging the problem is the first step. Treatment for BDD often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, helping to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

For those needing more support than traditional therapy but not requiring inpatient care, IOPs are an ideal middle ground. These programs offer structured therapy while allowing individuals to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities.

1. Group Therapy: IOPs often include group therapy, a space to share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.
2. Individual Therapy: Tailored one-on-one sessions focus on specific issues, coping strategies, and personalized recovery goals.
3. Family Therapy: Involving family members can provide a support system and help them understand the complexity of BDD.
4. Holistic Approaches: Activities like yoga, meditation, and art therapy can enhance self-awareness and promote relaxation.

Recovery from BDD is a journey back to oneself. It’s about relearning to see beauty in the real, imperfect, and human. It’s about understanding that self-worth is not a reflection in a mirror but the light you bring to the world.

Get Help for Body Dysmorphia Symptoms in Newport Beach

If you recognize yourself in these words, remember, you are not alone in this battle. At our Newport Beach Mental Wellness Program, we understand the depth and complexity of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to guide you on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

Lido Wellness Center offers a balanced approach combining therapy, group support, and holistic practices, all tailored to your unique needs. Take the first brave step towards reclaiming your life and recognizing the beauty in your real, imperfect, and human self. Contact us today – your story isn’t over yet.

With marijuana becoming popular and even legal in many states, its use has become widespread. Along with this is quite a bit of information and misinformation about the benefits of the drug. Some of these are creeping into the mental health world.

There seems to be a bit of an “all-or-nothing” approach to the acceptance of marijuana in the new paradigm. Either it is the answer to just about all the problems in the human body, or it is still the poison that leads to drug addiction.

But we want to go over the use of marijuana for depression.

Because, while marijuana use has been associated with various mental health benefits, there is also a risk for developing certain psychiatric disorders with regular use. Let’s explore some of the short-term and long-term effects of marijuana on depression.

Short-Term Effects: Using Marijuana for Depression

The short-term effects of marijuana use can vary depending on the individual. Some people may experience an immediate change in mood, feeling more relaxed and less stressed. There’s some evidence that people experience better sleep and temporary relief from anxiety.

One of the ways that marijuana may provide short-term relief for depression is by interacting with the brain’s endocannabinoid system. This is where we regulate our mood, appetite, and sleep. When THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it can lead to an increase in dopamine and serotonin levels. Ostensibly this relieves the depressive symptoms.

Others may feel an increase in anxiety and paranoia. For some people, these effects are only temporary and will go away once the marijuana wears off. For others, the effects may last for a more extended period of time.

Long-Term Effects: Marijuana for Depression

Cannabis use disorder is a potential long-term effect of regular marijuana use. Marijuana addiction. This disorder is characterized by impaired control over marijuana use, continued use despite negative consequences, and craving for cannabis. It can

Cannabis use disorder can lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Chronic marijuana use may worsen symptoms of depression. Chronic marijuana use may also impact brain development and cognitive function.

There is evidence that chronic marijuana use can lead to changes in the brain similar to those seen in people with schizophrenia. These changes can include problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. Chronic marijuana use may also increase the risk of developing psychosis.

Negative Effects: Marijuana for Depression

While some people may feel like it is the answer to mental and physical health, the reality is that there is good reason to reconsider if you are trying to medicate your depression with marijuana or weed. Here are some of the potential adverse effects of weed on depression.

1. Worsened depression symptoms: While some people may experience short-term relief from depression symptoms when using marijuana, chronic use can actually worsen depression symptoms over time. This is because regular marijuana use can lead to changes in the brain that contribute to depression, including a decrease in serotonin levels.
2. Increased risk of developing depression: Studies have shown that individuals who use marijuana regularly are at an increased risk of developing depression, particularly if they start using marijuana during adolescence. This is likely due to the negative impact that marijuana can have on brain development during this critical period.
3. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Some studies have found a link between marijuana use and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is particularly concerning for individuals who are already struggling with depression, as suicidal thoughts and behaviors are a common symptom of the condition.
4. Impaired cognitive function: Chronic marijuana use can lead to impairment in cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. This can make it more difficult for individuals with depression to manage their symptoms and engage in daily activities.
5. Dependence and withdrawal: Regular use of marijuana can lead to dependence, and individuals who try to quit may experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can exacerbate depression and make it more difficult to manage.

Evidence Based Treatment for Depression

If you are struggling with depression, many treatment options are available.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. It combines a cognitive and behavioral approach to help people understand, identify, and change their negative thought patterns.

Antidepressant medication can also be an effective treatment for depression. Exercise, nutrition, and self-care are essential components of a well-rounded approach to treating depression.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. TMS involves the use of a magnetic coil that is placed on the scalp, which generates a magnetic field that can stimulate the brain’s nerve cells.

TMS is typically used as a treatment option for individuals with depression who have not responded to traditional treatments, such as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. The therapy is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, and does not require anesthesia or sedation.

Why Risk Using Marijuana for Depression?

Marijuana use is associated with a variety of short-term and long-term effects on mental health. Some people may find that marijuana relieves their symptoms of depression, while others may find that it worsens their symptoms.

But there is no need to experiment or test. There are many documented approaches to managing depression—ones that do not come with the same risks as marijuana use.

If you are considering using marijuana to treat your depression, it is important to speak with a mental health professional first. If you want to know more about treatment for depression, please call us today. Our team is ready to answer your questions and offer you options for a plan that makes sense to you.