We need to make sure we are using healthy methods of coping with our stressors & traumas and not coping mechanisms that end up making things worse in the end.

Show Notes:
I’ve hit rock bottom many times in life, but there was a particular time I hit rock bottom while dealing with people pleasing way too much. My whole existence, at that time, came crashing down when I revealed to my husband that I had a habit of cutting myself. And I didn’t just casually tell him I was doing it. I ended up doing it in front of him in a moment of rage. It was not good. And it’s probably one of the times in my life I regret the way I was handling my stress the most. I didn’t know how to cope in a healthy way.

When we are going through things that cause us stress or is traumatic, we end up adopting a way to handle whatever is going on so we don’t break down completely. It’s a way for us to hang in there through what we’re going through & manage our painful & difficult emotions. What we choose to do is known as a coping mechanism. And it’s very very important that we choose a coping mechanism that is healthy & not unhealthy, which will only lead to more problems in the long run.

And when we talk about events that cause us stress or trauma, I don’t mean just negative experiences. Things like breakups, divorce, abuse or grief will for sure benefit from healthy coping mechanisms, but also events like having a child, getting married or even purchasing a home can cause stress that can lead to needing a healthy way to cope. So don’t just believe this is for when life feels bad, it can be for when life feels good & we’re grateful, but it’s a tough shift we are making in life.

Today we are going to look at 5 different types of coping mechanisms with examples of each.

But before we get into that, we are going to discuss some unhealthy coping mechanisms that people adopt, thinking it will help when it really causes more harm than help.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms:

• Procrastination
• Isolating/Withdrawing
• Criticizing Others
• Refusing Help from Others
• Abusing Substances
• Blaming Yourself
• Over-Spending
• Self Harm

Now let’s dive into the 5 different types of coping mechanisms that can be really helpful:

1. Self-Soothing 
2. Distractions
3. Do the Opposite 
4. Emotional Awareness 
5. Mindfulness 

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