Let’s dig in here. Imagine society as a garden, a place that could thrive in vibrance and connection. But instead, what we’re often seeing are the weeds—substance use, violence, crime, incarceration, behavioral issues, suicidality. These are the loud, undeniable signs that something’s deeply wrong, that there’s pain hiding beneath the surface. But here’s the thing: these aren’t the root of the issue. They’re symptoms, branches that have grown from a far greater problem—skill deficits.

It’s easy to look at substance use or crime and shake our heads, thinking it’s an isolated problem or a personal failing. But what if the real problem is much deeper? What if these behaviors are desperate attempts to cope in a world that didn’t offer the skills to handle the complexity of emotions, relationships, and conflicts? If we start with the assumption that people are doing the best they can with what they’ve been given, then it becomes clear: some people simply haven’t been given the tools they need.

This is where the theory of skill deficits comes in. Think of it this way: skills are tools. They’re like having a shovel to dig or a ladder to climb. When someone lacks these tools, they’re left to face complex situations without the means to navigate them. In emotional situations, without the skills to regulate and express emotions, one might turn to substances or lash out. Without the skills to form healthy relationships, some might find themselves in volatile, even violent connections. Without the skills to tolerate distress, manage impulsivity, or feel connected, people might end up isolated, self-destructive, or engaging in harmful behaviors.

So, these societal symptoms—substance use, violence, incarceration, self-harm, suicide—aren’t random. They’re the byproducts of missing skills, gaps in our personal and collective ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Now, let’s bring in DBT. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment developed to address these exact deficits. It’s an evidence-based, skills-focused approach, built on the understanding that if people can learn skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, then they can build lives that feel worth living. DBT doesn’t just treat the symptoms; it goes to the root. It teaches people how to ride out intense emotions without resorting to destructive behaviors, how to communicate effectively, how to stay present, and how to make choices that lead toward long-term goals rather than short-term relief.

DBT is more than just therapy—it’s a blueprint for addressing this societal dilemma. By teaching these skills, we’re essentially equipping people with tools they never received. We’re empowering them to handle life’s storms without reaching for drugs, without violence, without slipping into despair. It’s not just about saving individuals, though of course, that’s critical—it’s about transforming society as a whole. Because imagine the ripple effect of individuals who, rather than resorting to desperate measures, know how to communicate, connect, and manage their pain.

In the end, DBT is a solution that meets society where it’s hurting the most. It doesn’t judge, doesn’t shame, doesn’t pretend these problems are simple. It just teaches. And that teaching—those skills—might just be the healing force that turns these weeds back into flowers. It’s not about eliminating symptoms but addressing the root, and that’s where true change happens.