Self-control techniques ease tension

Self-control procedures are used more and more frequently to help people with psychological and medical difficulties. These procedures take different forms, and individuals using the techniques may have several to choose from. Occasionally, the same individual will use a variety of techniques depending on purpose or need.

Insomnia, for instance, is often helped by relaxation techniques.

Headache sufferers find techniques such as biofeedback, relaxation, meditation and self-hypnosis useful in treating this problem.

Handling stress can be aided by techniques such as self-hypnosis or relaxation. Many individuals who are exposed regularly to stressful situations, such as athletes or astronauts, find themselves greatly aided by these techniques.

Another common problem where self-control procedures are useful is the treatment of chronic pain conditions such as low back pain. Since chronic pain goes hand in hand with tension, the sufferer finds himself in a cycle of pain/anxiety/tension/pain. A behavioral repertoire that includes self-control procedures can break this cycle by reducing tension and anxiety.

Temporal mandibular joint sufferers find many of these techniques helpful in reducing the pain that results from chronic tension in the jaws. These individuals frequently grind their teeth, and muscle tension can lead to many problems including severe headaches.

One way phobia sufferers benefit is through relaxation procedures that combat the anxiety resulting from their unrealistic fears. Phobia sufferers who learn to combat their anxieties with relaxation find their self-confidence restored. The techniques provide a powerful weapon to combat this often frightening and debilitating problem.

Some physicians and nurses introduce their patients to relaxation techniques before surgery. The techniques often reduce the patient’s anxiety about surgery and speed recovery.

A frequent use of self-control procedures in education is helping students combat test-taking anxiety. Many of us have experienced intense nervousness and fear before taking an examination. Too much anxiety can affect memory and thus performance.

Being relaxed and at peace is generally good for overall health. Individuals who use these free, relatively easy to learn techniques find lifestyles can be improved significantly. Next week I will talk about several techniques that one can learn at home.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1986