Q. Perhaps it would be helpful for us to start out by defining stress and tension.
A. Gladly, but I would also like to take it one step further by including strain in the list. According to Webster, stress is a force exerted when one body or part of one body presses upon, pulls upon, pushes against, compresses or twists another body or part of another body. Tension is a condition wherein two forces are pulling in opposite directions. Finally, strain is an alteration of shape or form as a result of either stress or tension. Prolonged stress or tension will result in strain.It is strain that is harmful to the organism.
Q. In other words, you're saying that tension and stress in and of themselves are not harmful experiences. It is true?
A. Exactly. The perception of tension as an unnatural condition to be "cured" is clearly erroneous and potentially harmful.
Q. Please explain.
A. Tension is a perfectly natural reaction of every living organism to stress. Every species of animal would become extinct if it didn't have the weaponry of tension to direct it to find food and protect itself against predators. We can see these automatic responses in animals even where there is no real danger as in the response to the roar of thunder. In our own species the stress stimulus solicits a series of complex, sudden physiological changes: the heart beats faster to pump blood to the smooth muscles readying them for action, breathing quickens to insure adequate oxygen supply for the muscles, we even increase the production of blood clotting substances for wound healing. This response is frequently called the "Flight or Flee" reaction and is among the very few actions we humans perform which may be considered " instinctual."
Q. If tension is a protective reaction to a stressful situation, then why are we seeing people being devastated by the effects of tension in their lives?
A. Well, there are several answers to that question. One aspect we should look at is that societal stress continues to increase, creating a situation in which we respond not only by tensing, but by maintaining that tension. This maintenance of tension leads to strain, which as I said before is the real problem. Another aspect of the situation we need to recognize is that in our attempts to reduce tension, we are struggling to defy millions of years of evolution which provided us with this defensive reaction to stress. In so doing we must be prepared for and respect the reactions we will have to this reduction in our completion on every level. It includes primitive armament.
Reducing TensionQ. I'm not sure I know what you mean.
A. As we reduce the usage of tension as a reaction to offensive stimuli, we will naturally see a response equivalent to that of an animal who loses its primary weapon of defense. Trembling, nervousness and a plethora of intense emotional reactions can, and do, suddenly erupt.
Q. How then can we facilitate this process?
A. By preparing the client with an understanding of the possible reactions. However, intellectual insight alone, is rarely sufficient to help a person through this stage. Trying to control the reaction to tension reduction by thought processes only usually results in more tension. Trying to explain our mercurial reaction during these times creates further stress. We believe that these intense physical and emotional reactions must be allowed to pass through the person's system.
Q. I assume that when you say that intellectual insight is not sufficient you are implying a need for a more active expression of the emotional and physical experiences of this process.
A. That's true. One of the facilities which the DiMele Center offers is a sound-proofed cushioned walled room where clients can explore the intensity of their reaction to stress reduction in safety. This room was featured in a recent CBS TV News special in a segment during which I instructed the reporter on the ways in which we use it. The response was terrifically positive. I've often wondered how a therapist can expect a client to relax their tension and let their feelings flow freely when the client has to be concerned that he may be overheard if he or she raises his voice.
Q. If stress, tension and strain are a natural by-product of an increasingly complex society, what do you see for the future?
A. I believe that future generations will be better equipped to deal with stress by developing the filtering mechanism that helps us to distinguish between real and unreal threats; this will probably result from an evolutionary adaptation. For now however, we must create that change by educating our primitive defense mechanism. This can only be done with full respect for what it means to make these changes.
Without these considerations tension reduction programs cannot have long range effectiveness. The person may relax for a while, but ill prepared for the reaction, they will try to control the environment and limit stimuli. Trying to control everything around us is a sure way of going crazy. An effective tension reduction program is a holistic experience. It includes going through the reactions to completion on every level. It includes learning to utilize the positive aspects of tension which enable us to exercise, learn and create. Only then will our primitive defense mechanisms relinquish tension as a way of dealing with the potential stresses of everyday living.