How to cope in the midst of challenges

Challenges cross our paths daily. Some of us are really good about putting those challenges into their place and moving on with their day. However, there are others who struggle with challenges. So the questions is how do we cope? Or how do we cope better.

Let's start with a few definitions.

Anxiety is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate)

Depression is a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness

Stress is a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension

When we do not cope very well with the challenges you may start seeing yourself doing the following:

• Negative Self Talk

• Poor Actions

• Poor Choices

• Isolation

Why are you doing this? Your brain’s normal self-reflection state of mind turns negative, self-focused, and withdrawn. We continually reflect on our problems in a repetitive, negatively-toned way, but are de-motivated to actually engage with the world so as to solve those problems

Why do we do it?

• It immediately feels better

• If abusing drugs or alcohol we think / believee the high is enough

• Sleeping more makes the day feels like it will end

• Not showering takes too much energy – so we think by not doing it we will feel better

• We are angry

• We feel out of control

• We are sad

• We are anxious

• We don’t know how to ask for help

• Avoiding the problem seems easier

What's next?

Challenge the negative thoughts by asking yourself the following:

• How do I know if this thought is accurate?

• What evidence do I have to support this thought or belief?

• Do I have a trusted friend who I can check out these thoughts with?

• Is this thought helpful?

• Am I blaming myself unnecessarily?

• What or who else contributed to this situation?

• Is it really in my control?

• Am I making assumptions?

• What would I say to a friend in this situation?

• Am I assuming the worst?

Your mind is a garden, Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, Or you can grow weeds *Unknown*

If I can help you with additional strategies or ongoing support, contact me at 281.940.5820 or acs@abundancecounselingservices.com

N.B. This is part 1 of a multi part series to help you learn varies strategies to cope better with challenges as they arise. Please come back to visit!