Hey y’all! I thought that today I might talk about adopting a coping mechanism.
For those who don’t know, I struggle with moderate-severe depression, extreme social anxiety, a panic disorder, mistake-associated PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and super annoying OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). So over the years, I’ve had to find many, many strategies to beat my problems.
#1 is DISTRACTION.
Some people might say that distraction is bad, because it keeps you from facing the problems in front of you. I can definately see from that viewpoint, but I don’t really agree. I believe that there is a time and place for everything. Sometimes, you simply aren’t ready to handle the problem or face it head on. Sometimes you have to let it sit awhile and allow it to settle. Then, you can come back to it later when you are ready. I do not believe in pressuring oneself to fix everything immediately. If you are hurting someone, try to stop. If you are hurting yourself, try to stop. But when it comes to things like PTSD? I have to focus on other things constantly or I will be absorbed by nightmares. I am not ready to swallow my trauma yet. I have faced it and accepted it, but it is not something that I can casually think about. I have to prep my mind to be attacked by Satan because in every moment of weakness, he is watching and smiling. God’s power shines best in your weakness – but do not make the mistake of thinking that Satan is sitting idly by. He is waiting on an opportunity to pounce. So give yourself time, if you need it. Let your mind focus on other things.
Quick tip: God is always a safe bet to listen to, and us Christians should always strive to keep our focus on Him. Not only will that help us learn to breeze through troubled times, but it will show us why they happen. (Not that life will ever be easy, but it is made easier with a focus on God.)
#2 is MUSIC.
Yes, this probably sounds like a variation of “distractions”. And it can be. Music is one of my coping mechanisms. (Actually, my most recent strategy is listening to Saint Motel songs while playing Overflow on Animal Jam. It doesn’t make sense to read, but it makes me feel better. So that’s what I’ve been doing.)
But something that I’ve found extremely helpful is finding music to help you accept and deal with what you’re going through. To move on from anything, you must admit that it was a problem in the first place. It is important for you to feel heard and seen and not alone. You are never alone! There are others that are dealing with your situation. I know that I felt totally alone for years, and that was the worst experience of my life. I isolated myself. Didn’t want to talk to anyone. Because I genuinely did not know anyone else who would own-up to suffering from the same problem as me (full details on the “My Testimony” post). It was awful. I wanted to kill myself because of it. And I almost did. No one deserves to feel that. Loneliness is real. Feeling alone is real. But do not ever let it rule you. You are not alone. Listening to encouraging music always helps me remember that.
Try to find a song or two that embodies your emotion. If you are starting to feel alone, listen to the song. Even if it is sad. And remember that somewhere, at some point, someone else felt the exact same as you are feeling now. You are not alone.
#3 is FIDGETING.
No, I’m not talking about that anxious tapping your foot. I’m not talking about a fidget spinner. (Unless that actually helps you.) I find that tapping my foot, or any other nervous behaviors that I used to have, actually make my anxiety worse. Instead, dance. Sing. Work out. Do something. It is scientifically proven that physical exercise releases endorphins, which makes you feel better and think clearer.
For example: I dance. I’m not good at it, but I do it. I will put on my special dance clothes (that don’t stick to me if I get sweaty haha) or even a special dress I have in my closet. Just the clothes make me feel better. Knowing that a lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone in and out of the fabric reminds me that I’ve seen hard times before, and I’m still here. The dress has definately seen the most damage; I wear it on really bad days when I need to feel pretty. It’s the most flattering thing that I own. I think I found it at a consignment sale. The skirt portion is flowy, so when I spin or do specific things, it ripples in the air. I don’t know, it just makes me happy. Find something that makes you happy. Release the negativity, or use it to fuel your passion and push you forward. I promise. It will help you feel so much better.
Okay folks, I think that’s all for this post. I hope this can be of use to you in your process of recovery. There are, of course, other coping mechanisms that aren’t listed here. These are just 3 of the ones I use most often and find most helpful. Thanks for reading, and have an amazing day!!
♡, Shortie
