Season 1 Ep 9 - Distress Tolerance - What is it and how does it effect our lives?

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Welcome to 'Probably Important', where Josh T. and Mariel Nichole delve into the topic of distress tolerance and its impact on mental health. In this episode, they introduce distress tolerance as a crucial factor in mental well-being and share their focus on providing education, tips, and personal experiences to enhance understanding.
Defining Distress and Tolerance
Josh and Mariel start by defining distress as uncomfortable feelings stemming from thoughts or situations. They explain distress tolerance as the ability to endure distress without resorting to dysfunctional behaviors.
Parenting and Building Distress Tolerance
Mariel shares a personal anecdote about their daughter's struggles with learning chores, highlighting the importance of teaching children to tolerate discomfort. They discuss the delicate balance in parenting between nurturing and allowing space for distress.
The Concept of Windows of Tolerance
Josh elaborates on the concept of a "window of tolerance," likening it to a window that can shrink under stress. Distress tolerance widens this window, aiding in emotional regulation and wise decision-making. They discuss how meditation can cultivate presence in the face of discomfort.
Practical Activities for Building Distress Tolerance
Josh suggests a beginner activity—standing motionless in a doorway for two minutes—to practice observing thoughts and sensations without distraction or judgment.
Cultivating Compassion Through Distress Tolerance
They explore the connection between distress tolerance and empathy, noting that understanding others' unique experiences of discomfort can foster compassion.
The Evolution of Distress Tolerance
Josh outlines the stages of distress tolerance, from intolerance to tolerance to compassion. He emphasizes that true compassion involves not just enduring distress but actively entering distressing situations to offer support, leading to more effective responses.
Join us on this journey of exploring distress tolerance and its profound impact on mental health and relationships.