As a small and caring team of local people, we care about the emotional wellbeing of our clients and employees, especially so during these uncertain times. We recognise the pressures of the modern world, the instability of the economy, the mounting cost of living, and the impact those factors can have on our mental health. We are all effected differently, yet for some, when stressors weigh heavy, it's not uncommon for us to fall into the traps of unhealthy coping mechanisms, which can then ripple into other aspects of our lives.
So what exactly are coping mechanisms? They are the tools we employ, sometimes instinctively, other times intentionally, to navigate through life's challenging storms. They are the strategies we use to manage difficult emotions and situations, shaping how we react and adapt to the world around us, some healthy, some unhealthy. The main difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms is that healthy coping mechanisms improve your situation, whilst unhealthy mechanisms don’t improve the situation or can even make it worse.
Remember that positive coping mechanisms:
If you are struggling to cope, or struggle with daily life, here are some strategies you can try. Some of these may work and others might not. Try a variety so you can find the ones that work best for you and your needs:
A helpful analogy is to think of coping mechanisms as a toolbox filled with plenty of strategies for different circumstances. In times of distress, try to visualize looking through your own toolbox to find the right coping mechanism.
Identify: What are things that bring me joy and comfort?
Practice: Engage in the activity/skill to become comfortable with it.
Implement: Use the skill in times of need.
Evaluate: How successful was I in utilizing this skill? Was it easy/natural to use? Did it decrease the undesired emotion? Did I like the outcome?
Adapt: Make small or large changes to the skill; keep adding to your toolbox.
Some individuals have trouble regulating their emotions. They may act out or engage in harmful behaviours to self-soothe. This can be made even worse by an underlying mental health condition. Here are some negative coping mechanisms to watch for in yourself:
If you’re using negative coping strategies and you are having trouble replacing the unhealthy behaviours with healthier ones, it may be time to try talking to your GP. They will be able to spot and identify if there are any larger underlying issues at play and be able to refer you to the appropriate services.
Our offices are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. To avoid disappointment, please contact us to arrange an appointment before visiting us. Our offices are not always staffed and we may be dealing with other customers when you visit. Visitor parking is available and we welcome you to come down and meet our staff.
