Right now, I know of many people that are struggling to get through life today. They are of different ages, genders, and live in different states. Each one is trying to cope through this day in the best way they know now. And each one of us have someone in our lives trying to support us but unknowingly making it harder. When it is only one person that knows what needs to be done to make it through the storm. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the answers either.
How to Cope
I cope with my stress and challenges in various ways. Most of the time, I internally shut down. My mind and body begin running on autopilot. I have no emotions to tie to. There are no feelings or thoughts I can hold. Honestly, it is a strange sensation to me. But it lasts for a few days until my system can restart and I can focus on everything around me. One of the more recent times this happened was when my dad passed away. I started worrying that there was something wrong with me because I was not acting or feeling sad during that time. Reality – nothing wrong with me.
Another coping mechanism I have experienced and seen, constantly talking it out. This is useful for many people. It clearly offers an opportunity for an outside perspective on the situation and possible changes or solutions. But not everyone can do this. And just because someone is not talking about their situation, bottling it up, doesn’t mean they are wrong. Reality – some people need time to hit the “pause” button the extremity of their life. A way to get a break and breathe. And allowing them that time gives them the chance to recenter their emotions and thoughts. This allows them to receive the different perspectives easier.
The Why of it
Coping mechanisms are your body and mind’s way of protecting yourself. But like everything in life, there is moderation and a usefulness to it. It is easy for a person to fall into a trap of hiding away from responsibility and challenges. Making their lives and others much harder. Or sharing too much information and accidentally creating bigger issues. How we each cope with the events of our lives, we also need to draw upon strength within to make sure we do see that light at the end of the tunnel. And most importantly, be able to tell someone else that right now, I just need time to break away. Time to be able to breathe. Whether to sit in the moment and emotions, or to step away from the chains the stress is causing.
Only you know which coping mechanism is best for you. And even if you don’t know right now, that is okay. There are professionals that can help too. But always remember that you have people in your life that love you. They believe in you. And different is not wrong.
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With great warmth,
