Distress tolerance skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) help you survive comorbidity crisis without making things worse.
TIPP Skills for Acute Comorbidity
Temperature: Cold water on face activates the dive reflex, rapidly reducing comorbidity intensity
Intense exercise: 20 minutes of vigorous exercise discharges comorbidity physiological activation
Paced breathing: Slow the breath (especially exhale) to activate parasympathetic system
Progressive muscle relaxation: Systematic tension-release reduces comorbidity physical symptoms
ACCEPTS Skills for Riding Out Comorbidity
Activities that engage attention away from comorbidity Contributing to others shifts focus from comorbidity Comparisons that provide perspective on comorbidity Emotions opposite to comorbidity — deliberately generated Pushing away comorbidity temporarily when you can't act on it now Thoughts that replace comorbidity rumination Sensations that provide strong alternative input
When Distress Tolerance Is the Right Skill for Comorbidity
Use distress tolerance when comorbidity is intense but the situation can't change right now. The goal is surviving without making things worse — not solving comorbidity.