I believe DBT in theory, but it is not easy to practice. I am in the middle of moving apartments, and feeling very overwhelmed. I guess during other moves I used "crutches" to cope such as drinking wine, smoking cigarettes, or that other funny stuff. Now I am totally clean of all substance use. I am not on any Psych medications. The usual stuff is happening during this move like unexpected expenses, misplacing stuff like my garage door opener (replacement cost $50), and in general having to move when I already was feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances.

When I get like this I think, "This is a good time to work on DBT skills," but for the life of me I can't understand how practicing DBT can help. I usually feel this way when I am right in the middle of a heightened emotional state, like right now.

I am going to try "riding the emotions like a wave," and also maybe some other self-soothing techniques. I might go out and purchase some incense because that sometimes helps to calm me down. I also could take a few capsules of valerian (herb) -- that doesn't do much but might take the edge off things...

I have a lot on my mind, not just this move, but a lot of life stuff. I am practicing DBT on my own with workbooks and worksheets, which I diligently fill out.

I understand that to learn DBT takes a while, and I am wondering how other DBT students coped with reality while first learning to use the skills. I don't take drugs, don't self-harm, don't drink alcohol, and don't smoke cigarettes, or smoke anything! I have been dieting and that definitely causes irritation. I am a not hugely fat but have some extra weight. Lately I feel extremely uncomfortable with extra weight. It makes me feel so sluggish. So I don't cheat on my diet as I want the weight off, and don't want to be dieting forever. I think I am drinking enough water so am not dehydrated.

My major problem is anxiety, and I have have a difficult time with regulating my emotional states. I mentioned in another post how I tend to send people emotional emails and messages and I am still doing that. It is a terrible habit! I just feel like friends and family don't listen to me or care about me and I am feeling extremely overwhelmed. I am moving alone, and I really hate living alone. I do keep a journal but I tend to write the same things over and over so it gets boring.

I am in a tremendous amount of mental pain. I know that DBT is supposed to bring some relief. Any suggestions from other DBT people would be welcome. I think my biggest problem is distress tolerance so I am going to take a look at that material.