Coping Mechanisms / Behaviors

Coping mechanisms are strategies and behaviors to manage stress, adapt to challenging situations, and regulate emotions, including uncomfortable emotions. They can be healthy and unhealthy, which affects mental and physical wellbeing for good or bad. Healthy coping mechanisms (also see Coping Skills Training or CST):

• Problem-focused coping: Taking action to address stressor’s source, such as problem-solving, seeking help, or making a plan
• Emotion-focused coping: Managing emotional responses to stress, like practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or engaging in positive activities
• Meaning-focused coping: Finding purpose in difficult situations to gain perspective and resilience
• Cognitive reframing: Changing negative thought patterns into more positive and realistic ones
• Seeking support: Reaching out to friends, family, or a therapist for emotional support and guidance
• Mindfulness and meditation: Practices to promote present moment awareness and reduce stress
• Physical activity: Exercise has been shown to have significant positive effects on mental health
• Creative expression: Activities like drawing, painting, writing, or playing music can be therapeutic

Unhealthy coping mechanisms:

• Substance use to numb emotions or escape problems
• Self-harm behaviors that cause physical harm to oneself
• Emotional numbing by suppressing or avoiding emotions, leading to emotional detachment
• Withdrawing from others and from social support systems
• Impulsivity and acting without thinking, often leading to negative consequences
• Overindulgence in eating, spending, or other behaviors to cope with stress