HALT BS!!!

That's right HALT BS! this is important for everyone to do this! to be aware and HALT BS!!

Another DBT skill I have learned during this internship. Its not literally saying "stop your lies or crap." It is another acronym.
H-hunger
A-anger
L-lonely
T-tired
B-bored
S-scared

We have all felt all of these emotions, bodily functions and maybe all of them in one day! So whats so special about these words and the acronym HALT BS? It are the feelings that make us vulnerable. Make us weak. Typically out ugly side shows when we are experiencing these feelings! Who knows people who get grumpy on a diet? Who becomes dependent on others when scared? Who makes statements they claim they don't mean when they are mad. Who becomes depressed when they are lonley and hides away in their bedroom to watch TV? Who becomes emotional when they are tired? During these feelings we tend to release a side of us that could ultimately harm relationships and ourselves. Granted, I was educated on HALT BS during an educational inservice at a Mental Behavioral Health Unit but it applies to EVERYONE. How do you handle these feelings? Most of us would like to say we have great coping skills and can solve this. Who has ever participated in a dangerous activity because you were bored? Its a good idea to me Mindful of your feelings and what you are needing at the moment and figure out what is the safest way to handle it.

 I love Recreation Therapy. Here are some examples of how we would recommend handling each situation.
H-easy eat, go to a restaurant with friends, cooking party with friends, picnic? (make it fun depending on the situation!)
A- tell people you need space and go do something physical! punch your bed, run, lift weights, physical actions release the tension and bodily symptoms associated with anger.
L- call friends/family, try to get a spontaneous trip to somewhere, hiking, shopping, starbucks (fixes hunger too haha), I would not suggest facebook unless you go on to chat. FB has the possibility of producing "stinkin thinkin" when seeing everyone's "happy" status's and feeling left out. be aware of what starts stinkin thinkin.
T- nap! or catch up on sleep. do not neglect your body's needs. Your body and mind are connected and feed off each other.
B- structure your time, create an amazing bored board! (post on that soon!) make a craft, help someone with chores (i know not fun...but helpful and relationship building)
S-find out what is scaring you...there are different ways to deal with fear. is it rational? talk it out with someone. Can you work through it? is there real danger? find helpful ways to avoid it or to resolve the fear

During my internship here is how I have seen people deal with HALT BS feelings in the past.
H-become over sensitive, greedy, no consideration for others
A- yell, become violent, throw anything they can get their hands on, basically shut down with violence where no amount of words can get through to them, they are tense, feeling the physical symptoms the patients want release and their way which is hard to mix. I have children bang heads on walls and doors, bite staff, kick doors, and yell profanities without stopping. I have fortunately seen one child being restrained and given a shot.
L- a common reaction is cutting, depression, further isolating self, drug use to fit in a group
T-emotional breakdowns, suicidal ideation, lack of rational choices
B-lack of rational choices, dangerous behaviors and activities, drug use is very common here.
S- lack of social interactions/isolation, avoidance of a physiological need (food), another good one is borderline personality disorder. scared of experiencing a close relationship....

These are just a few of the reactions and results of the feelings. Try to find effective coping skills that work for you! Its surprising how little things can make a big impact on your life even with or without you realizing it.


so be mindful and HALT BS!!! <3  All in love!