DIFFERENT people use different styles to cope with their problems. Over the years, there are many strategies developed to deal with life inconveniences. Dealing with such is predominantly classified as a process, strategy, or style. However, it is a fact that not all coping styles can help. Some are unhealthy and destructive. Allow me to share frequently-used coping styles that I believe are damaging.
1. Substance Abuse. The use of drugs or alcohol will only make the person facing a struggle temporarily feel better. This can only aggravate the issue since the abuse of drugs can lead to many consequences affecting not only the abuser but the family and the society.
2. Coffee Drink. Research showed that caffeine has a calming effect and relieves stress. But large amount of consumption may affect one’s health. It allows a person to stay awake longer. Hence, shortening the amount of sleep reducing the restorative stages of sleep. So, if one is overly stressed, sick or emotionally unstable, then his or her overall health is affected. It is wise then to limit intake of caffeine.
3. Binge-eating. Food usually becomes the emotional crutch of those who are emotionally imbalanced. Be careful because overeating can lead to weight gain and can exacerbate one’s present negative issues.
4. Denial. The moment a person encounters a stress, one will automatically want to protect him or herself. The problem sometimes lies in the refusal to acknowledge that something is wrong.
5. Busying yourself. Being productive to make you feel good just to compensate from all the negative vibes surrounding a person can be a form of avoidance. Doing many things without a break to avoid remembering or thinking about a situation that is heartbreaking is so unhealthy. There should be a balance in your task-life or it may hurt you entirely – as in holistically.
Learning how to cope positively with negative issues is necessary. Help comes in all forms but not necessarily from people. One of the life’s best coping mechanism is to have faith in God. If you are down, hungry, neglected or cheated, whatever - ask for God’s guidance, believe and everything will be alright soon.
Yes, life sometimes is inconvenient but, believe me, they will pass.