CALM Programme

I appeared before a Judge at The Crown Court in the middle of 2005, and i was orderd to attend what is called the CALM programme - Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it. The aim of the programme is to develop the basic thinking skills that will help them deal effectivley with situations that may trigger emotional arousal - especially those that can lead to violence, such as anger and jealousy. Having been diagnosed with BDP during the pre sentence stage, i think that this programme will be a great help to me although I wondered if anyone hear has any experience or knowledge of the programme? I was not orderd to attend the programme on the merit of my BDP - I am still awaiting follow up treatment for this, but i intend to make the most of this programme and I am really looking forward to it!

Sorry - never heard of it. By the sound of it you are from England. You will find that most people on this forum seem to be in the USA. Maybe they have something similar there. I am from Australia.

Sounds like a good course that most of us could use.

Good luck!

Just Me wrote:Sorry - never heard of it. By the sound of it you are from England. You will find that most people on this forum seem to be in the USA. Maybe they have something similar there. I am from Australia.

Sounds like a good course that most of us could use.

Good luck!

thank you, i mean i am really looking forward to it as my main triggers appear to be impulsive reactions to stress and situations that i cant handle. The painful thing is too, i know that i am doing it but i lack the strength and the know how to hold myself back. I am not usually a violent person, i got into trouble as a result of flipping out after someone tried to strangle me over a kebab. The majority of the time i am verbally abusive and use threatening behavior, both of which are totally unaccpetable so this course should be a big help.

I'm also in the UK but haven't heard of this programme. Anything that gives us coping skills and helps us to learn how to be part of society can only be a good thing I guess. It's not going to be easy though.

Who diagnosd you with BPD? Was this the first time you've been confronted with knowing you're wired differently? Do you think you will be able to work through this programme even when it gets tough?

I have been through 5 psychiatrists and a number of therapists, I was advised to try group therapy but I find it difficult to talk about me and my $#%^ and don't think it would help me. Also I KNOW I don't have the staying power for such things, someone would piss me off and I wouldn't go back, no point in even starting really!!

I hope this programme works for you and it was good to read you.


Karma.
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angelkarmachic wrote:

I'm also in the UK but haven't heard of this programme. Anything that gives us coping skills and helps us to learn how to be part of society can only be a good thing I guess. It's not going to be easy though.

Who diagnosd you with BPD? Was this the first time you've been confronted with knowing you're wired differently? Do you think you will be able to work through this programme even when it gets tough?

I have been through 5 psychiatrists and a number of therapists, I was advised to try group therapy but I find it difficult to talk about me and my $#%^ and don't think it would help me. Also I KNOW I don't have the staying power for such things, someone would piss me off and I wouldn't go back, no point in even starting really!!

I hope this programme works for you and it was good to read you.


Karma.
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I had been trying to obtain help for years, things came to a head in 2003 and i realised that i need help. I managed to get a referal fro a psychiatric evalution from my GP and this proved fruitless - i was told that i needed therapy but being as there was nothing available at that time i had to wait. nothing happend and in 2004, after slipping into a downward spiral of drink drugs and unemployment i committed an offence and was hauled through the courts. It was during the pre sentence phase that i was sent to a forensice psychologist and after a lengthy discussion she diagnosed me with BDP. The CALM programme is not specifically designed for people with BDP, more so it is aimed towards violent offenders who lack the basic thinking and skills to manage their anger and emtions. I was not given a custodial sentence as my medical records made it clear that i had realised that i had a problem and was activley seeking help but to no avail.

I hope you can stay as strong as you seem to be right now. When I was diagnosed I was relieved to finally have a name for what was wrong with me. I have been guilty of using it as an excuse now and then and have to really try not to do that.

I hate our medical system, I'm so sorry it took so long and such a bad experience for you to get help. I am a great believer in everything happens for a reason and it seems that something good for you will come from this. You clearly want to have a deeper understanding of yourself and learning all we can about our disorder is beneficial to us and those around us.

Thanks for sharing your world.


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