Finding Better Ways to Cope | Developing Coping Skills

Life can present us with many problems- from the loss of a loved one to the unexpected loss of a job or opportunity.

Loss can cause us to feel the need to withdraw from social settings, isolate ourselves, over- or under-eat, or even avoid our feelings. These are called unhealthy coping skills. 

In coping with loss, the key is to open up and try to express our emotions, whether artistically or verbally.

Although our body tends to avoid pain, which means feeling the urge to avoid our feelings, the key to healing is not to suppress our emotions- that only prolongs the process.

How to cope healthily? The answer is simple. What can you do to express yourself? What activities offer a healthy release for you? The answer is different depending on the individual.

Healthy coping can include journaling, meditation, and even connecting with a social group. Developing coping skills is easy; however, developing healthy coping skills is important.

Below are examples of healthy coping skills, but understand every person’s journey is different- and so can one’s choice of coping.

References

Eatontown, Dr Positive Reset. “5 Healthy & Unhealthy Coping Skills.” Positive Reset Mental Health Services of Eatontown New Jersey, 14 Oct. 2022, positivereseteatontown.com/5-healthy-unhealthy-coping-skills/.