Second chance at DBT.

baggyjeans · 07-02-2013, 12:15 AM

I started DBT about a year ago but quit after 1 session (long story). I have an appt. next wed to see about starting the group again. Thing is, since then I've stopped self-harming, have come off meds and I'm pretty stable. Am I 'acute' enough for DBT?!

Fire Fly · 07-02-2013, 12:22 AM

I don't think there is such a 'acute' criteria about being ill enough to get DBT? Is next week just an assessment to see whether it would work for you this time round?

You say your stable - that's great news!! Is it because you have learnt skills to cope with your 'crisis' or have thins generally going better for you so you haven't felt the need to self destruct?

Generally from what I know ( i might be wrong - so sorry in advance) DBT is meant to help teach you new skills to help you cope when you land yourself in a crisis to prevent you from self harming and self destructing.

Hopefully, if you do get a second chance it will help teach you to cope better in certain situations. Good luck x

Gone. · 07-02-2013, 12:27 AM

I think that the appointment will be a really good idea for you to discuss options and to find the best kind of therapy for you. In terms of being 'acute', I think that the fact that you have made such positive advances will stand you in good stead because it shows that you want to recover and that will be taken with a lot of importance.

I have also heard that you have to be more stable to partake in DBT? I don't know how correct that I am, so feel free to correct me.

Good luck with the appointment next week - let us know how it goes.

Snow White. · 07-02-2013, 10:06 AM

I think this will be a really good chance for you to make full use of the DBT actually, and learn all the skills while you are feeling well to prevent a relapse - prevention is often easier than cure, easier to prevent a relapse than to use DBT to get out of it.

I had DBT when I was 2 or 3 years free of self-injury, it really helped me. Things still were difficult but much easier to focus on learning when a lot of problems were more in the background, as the course in intense.

I say go for it, and I wish you all the very very best xxx

baggyjeans · 07-02-2013, 12:21 PM

Thank you so much for your replies!

I think I will definitely do the course if they offer me a place on Wednesday. The appt. is just a meeting with the two ladies who run the group.

I think my care coordinator had put me off a bit as she said they were only accepting acute cases with complex problems. I might have been described that way a year or so ago but not anymore but like you've all said maybe this is actually the best time to do it as I'm more stable.

I'm sure it will be very helpful and as I'm getting married soon I'm sure it will help my relationship with my husband-to-be! I'd do anything to ensure my issues don't affect him!

Thanks for the advice. I'm quite looking forward to it now!

baggyjeans · 07-02-2013, 12:23 PM

Ps @ tinkles: I think life is generally going better and I've been having art therapy and have learnt to talk about things which has really helped.

I think I do need to learn the DBT skills though.

Snow White. · 09-02-2013, 02:08 PM

Let us know how you go, i hope they offer you a place, the skills in dbt are great, they will help your relationships, communication and managing stress.i hope they offer you a place, can't hurt to try for it and they'll be happy to hear youre keen as it takes commitment.

All the best for your marriage!! :)

TEAPARTY · 09-02-2013, 08:02 PM

DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!
:)

baggyjeans · 09-02-2013, 08:04 PM

Thanks Snow White and tea party! It sounds great! Ill do anything that might help make my life better and that of those around me! X

baggyjeans · 13-02-2013, 03:42 PM

Had my appt today and have been accepted into the group

Fire Fly · 13-02-2013, 06:32 PM

Yay, that's great :). When do you start? X

baggyjeans · 13-02-2013, 07:12 PM

They said it is going to start in the middle of March. I will have to miss 1 possibly 2 weeks because I'm getting married and going away on honeymoon but I'm pleased it is starting soon. I thought I might have to wait a few months.

I definitely think it is the right time to do the course. I was in crisis when I started it before but now I have taken a step back and I can see how it's going to help me. I can also see how my problems are acute and I do need/deserve the help. I'm feeling really positive about it

Fire Fly · 13-02-2013, 10:15 PM

Congratulations for when you get married <3.
Hopefully it will help you alot this time round.
x

baggyjeans · 13-02-2013, 11:32 PM

Thanks!

Snow White. · 14-02-2013, 07:05 AM

CONGRATULATIONS! On both the acceptance and the journey you have made so far in your recovery, and of course your upcoming wedding. I'm genuinely very happy for you :) Sounds like you've got a great attitude towards the program too.

I'm wondering if it's worth writing a short paragraph for yourself about why you want to do DBT and what you want to get out of it? It can be a long program and bits can be hard, so maybe it will help in the harder moments (if they occur) to read through and remember your motivations.

baggyjeans · 14-02-2013, 11:24 AM

Thanks Snow White! That is a good idea! In the appt they asked what might stop me going and I said my anxiety as I find it hard getting into town on the bus and then being in a group so having something to read might encourage me to get there! Thanks for your support! X