A guide on the different types of coping strategies you can adopt
Introduction
Coping strategies refer to psychological actions that people take to manage their thoughts, feelings and actions when dealing with stressors of life. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the key is to identify which strategy will work best for you at that particular point in time.
Emotion-focus coping
Regulate negative emotions to reduce stress by using cognitive and behavioural tools
People who are less “emotionally open” will benefit more from expressing their emotions (e.g. through writing exercises) by actively identifying, processing, and expressing their emotions
Tips:
Journaling
Journaling is an effective way to organise your thoughts by writing what comes to your mind, especially when you feel overwhelmed.
Meditation & Mindfullness
Mindfulness is a technique where one focuses on the present and the surroundings, with the intention of gradually letting go of thoughts about the past or the future. It can be practised at any time or place.
Talking to Someone
Friends and family members can provide moral support, by listening with empathy and validating your feelings and stress.
Working with a therapist
Trained mental health professionals can use frameworks to guide you on emotion-focused coping strategies and tailor them to your needs.
Problem-Focus Coping
Active effort to directly confront the stressor in an attempt to reduce or eliminate it
This goal-oriented approach works best when the source of the stress is potentially under one’s control and people feel that something constructive can be done
Tips:
Planning & Problem Solving
This works best when the source of the stress is potentially under one's control and you feel that something constructive can be done. Analyse the problem to understand it better. Make a plan and follow through with it.
Comments