Relying on drugs, alcohol, dysfunctional eating patterns or gambling are just a few of the most obvious forms. However, virtually anything can turn into an addiction over time, even simple things like exercise, work or watching the TV. Subtle addictions may not seem to be particularly destructive.
5 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms You Shouldn’t Ignore
19 related questions found
What is an example of a bad coping method?
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking – These will soothe the pain temporarily, but when the effects wear off, the emotions will still be there. Constantly coping with these could lead to addiction. Binge Eating – Stress eating is very common but most are left with more painful feelings of regret and shame.
A bad, maladaptive, unhealthy or destructive coping mechanism is one where the behaviour does not resolve the problem in the long-term and may actually increase the harm. Unhealthy coping strategies may feel like they are having the desired effect in the short term.
What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies?
Healthy coping categories are self‐soothing, relaxing or distracting activities, social support, and professional support. Unhealthy categories are negative self‐talk, harmful activities (e.g., emotional eating, aggression, alcohol, drugs and self-harm), social withdrawal, and suicidality.
Examples of common negative stressors are relationship problems, unemployment and injury. When something distresses you, it can lead to feelings of hopelessness about the situation. You begin thinking in “what-ifs” rather than working toward solving or coping with the problem.
What are 3 healthy ways to cope with a traumatic event?
Find ways to relax and be kind to yourself. Turn to family, friends, and clergy person for support, and talk about your experiences and feelings with them. Participate in leisure and recreational activities. Recognize that you cannot control everything.
What are 2 things that can happen to you if you have PTSD?
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event. Difficulty maintaining close relationships. Feeling detached from family and friends.
Feeling overwhelmed, as if you are losing control or need to take control. Having a hard time relaxing and quieting your mind. Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), and feeling lonely, worthless, and depressed.
Take vacations away from home and work. Engage in pleasurable or fun activities every day. Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga, prayer, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. Avoid use of caffeine and alcohol.
Lazarus and Folkman (1984) distinguished two basic coping categories, i.e., problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, as responses aimed at “managing or altering the problem causing the distress” and “regulating emotional responses to the problem,” respectively (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984, p. 150).
What is an example of negative emotion focused coping?
Negative examples of emotion-focused coping (that typically are not beneficial or helpful in the long term) are suppression of emotions, avoidance, and alcohol or drug use in order to dull or avoid emotions.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.
