Week 2 Activity “Opposite Action”
Opposite action is used for changing painful and distressing emotions by setting into motion an action that is helpful, not harmful. For example, if we are feeling very depressed, low, and like no one wants us around, our first thought is to just stay in bed. A way to act opposite to the emotions is to get ourselves up and do something (go for a walk, go to the grocery store, visit a friend, go to therapy, etc.). Instead of staying at home in bed, we are getting up and going out. We may not see big changes, but little by little we will notice changes in the way we feel. It is important to remember that this skill is not about trying to suppress our emotions, but simply to express our feelings in a more supportive manner Answer the following: • What do you do when you are: o Angry o Depressed o Sad o Guilty o Ashamed o Afraid ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ What are some opposite actions you could take when you have these emotions? ________________________________________________________________ •
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________