Negative Coping Actions

  • use or abuse of alochol or drugs
  • act violently toward others (verbally, physically, sexually, or emotionally)
  • act out or misbehave on purpose
  • rationalize or blame others for your problems
  • repress or forget what has happened
  • behave like someone you are not
  • disassociative self from situation
  • exhibit controlling behavior
  • become a workaholic (stay busy to avoid your feelings
  • self-harm; think about or attempt suicide
  • isolate yourself and withdraw from activities and others
  • feel like you need to control or manipulate others
  • refuse to communicate
  • fantasize regularly
  • catastrophize
  • be overly helpful (help others over self)

Coping Mechanisms

It’s important to become aware of how we respond to stress and anxiety.

*This list comes from the book Good Anxiety: Harnessing The Power Of The Most Misunderstood Emotion. Highly recommend.

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Positive Coping Actions

  • name your feelings, whether positive or negative

  • control your anger-neither suffocating it nor letting rage take over

  • practice self-reflection

  • communicate or talk about feelings

  • exercise (exercise has been shown to dampen anxiety)

  • participate in hobbies (such as beadwork) and/or sports

  • spend time outdoors

  • consider the situation from another point of view

  • remain flexible and open to new ways of thinking (therapy is very good at helping with this)

  • keep a journal or other form of conscious self-reflection

  • spend quality time with family, partner, friends

  • use positive self-self talk and affirmations

  • meditate or pray

  • clean or organize your workspace or home

  • seek support from a health professional when you are ill

  • play with a pet or children