Clinical Terms

Distress Tolerance

The ability to get through intense or painful moments without making things worse.

Distress tolerance is a set of skills for getting through intense or painful moments without making the situation worse. It is especially useful when emotions feel huge and acting impulsively could cause harm. Skills can include grounding, slowing down the body, and using planned coping strategies until the wave passes.

This glossary is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about your mental health, please speak with a licensed professional.