Improved Emotion Regulation in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Reduces Suicide Risk in Youth and Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders for Mind’s Eye, from Dr. Rupa Talukder
January 28, 2025 – [Kolkata] – Dr. Rupa Talukder, a leading psychologist specializing in youth mental health, has unveiled an innovative approach to treating at-risk adolescents struggling with suicide, substance use disorders, and emotional dysregulation. Through her organization, Mind’s Eye, Dr. Talukder has emphasized the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in improving emotional regulation and reducing critical health risks in vulnerable youth populations.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people learn to manage their emotions,progress relationships, and avoid harmful behaviors. It's based on cognitive behavioral therapy.
A Growing Crisis: Suicide and Substance Abuse in Youth
The mental health landscape for young people is increasingly dire, with suicide and substance use disorders remaining among the top leading causes of death in adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24, and alcohol and substance abuse remain deeply concerning challenges among adolescents. These conditions often emerge in tandem, rooted in emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unresolved trauma.
Emotion regulation, or the ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy and adaptive manner, plays a central role in maintaining overall well-being. When emotion regulation falters, individuals may turn to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, or even suicidal actions in an attempt to cope with overwhelming feelings. Addressing this fundamental issue, Dr. Talukder has pioneered a multifaceted approach using DBT to help youth better manage their emotions, reduce distressing behaviors, and improve their mental health outcomes.
We have seen that at a young age people are deeply addicted to alcohol due to surrounding circumstances and work and family conditions. They need mental therapy for it. Dr Rupa Talukdar makes an awareness program for all general people to discuss, especially middle aged people how they can avoid stress.
Mind’s Eye: A Vision for Youth Mental Health
Mind’s Eye, an innovative mental health practice led by Dr. Rupa Talukder, offers a unique platform for treating emotional dysregulation, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Dr. Talukder's research and clinical work highlight the importance of DBT, a therapeutic model initially developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1990s to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, but which has since shown significant promise for other conditions, including substance abuse and suicidal ideation.
DBT is structured around four main parts: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal successfulness. These principles equip individuals with essential coping strategies and skills to navigate their emotional world more effectively. In the context of youth mental health, DBT’s focus on regulating emotional intensity and improving impulse control is a game changer. Dr. Talukder’s program has demonstrated that youth who receive DBT experience significant reductions in suicidal ideation and substance use, as well as improved relationships and social functioning.
Dr. Talukder's Approach: A Holistic Treatment Model
At Mind’s Eye, Dr. Talukder integrates DBT with additional therapeutic interventions, focusing on a holistic treatment model that includes family therapy, education, and support. This ensures that the young person’s environment—such as their home, school, and social settings—is a supportive and understanding space conducive to healing. Dr. Talukder has also developed unique tools within her DBT program that cater to the particular needs of adolescent clients, with a focus on making therapy engaging, interactive, and youth-friendly.
“I have seen firsthand how DBT can change lives,” says Dr. Talukder. “When youth learn to regulate their emotions, they gain a greater sense of control over their actions, leading to reduced risk of impulsive behaviors like substance use or self-harm. Most importantly, it allows them to take steps toward a brighter future, free from the grip of despair.”
Research underscores the importance of early intervention, especially for those at risk of suicide and substance abuse. In a recent study published by the National Institute of Mental Health, DBT has been shown to reduce suicide attempts in adolescents by up to 50%, while also lowering rates of self-harm and substance misuse. These outcomes are consistent with the results Dr. Talukder has observed in her clinical practice.
A Lifeline for Youth at Risk
Dr. Talukder’s work has become an essential lifeline for countless adolescents and families grappling with the complex and often devastating effects of mental health struggles. By fostering emotion regulation through DBT, Dr. Talukder has equipped youth with the tools necessary to face their emotions with greater resilience, while also strengthening their relationships with others. Furthermore, her focus on prevention and early intervention continues to pave the way for a future in which mental health support is accessible and effective for all adolescents.
“This is not just treatment; it’s a new way of living,” Dr. Talukder says. “The skills our youth gain through DBT are lifelong tools, allowing them to confront future challenges with greater confidence and emotional stability.”
About Dr. Rupa Talukder and Mind's Eye
Dr. Rupa Talukder is a renowned clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in adolescent mental health. As the founder of Mind’s Eye, she has dedicated her career to helping youth overcome the obstacles of emotional distress, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts through evidence-based treatments. Dr. Talukder’s commitment to supporting young people in their journey toward mental wellness has earned her recognition in the mental health community, with her innovative work being featured in numerous journals and publications.
Mind’s Eye offers individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and educational workshops designed to support the mental well-being of young people. Through a compassionate and individualized approach, Mind’s Eye is making a lasting impact on youth mental health in the community.
For more details visit: https://mindseye.in/practicestherapis/dialectical-behaviour-therapy-dbt/