Life is full of stressors, and you may not have control over the things that cause you stress, anxiety, or depression.

How you cope with these feelings matters. It’s not always easy, but choosing healthy coping strategies can help you manage these unpleasant emotions.

Healthy vs. unhealthy coping strategies

Healthy coping strategies promote long-term well-being and resilience, often address the root cause of your emotions, and help you manage your emotions effectively.

Unhealthy coping strategies may provide temporary relief but can have negative long-term consequences and could even worsen your symptoms.

Examples of healthy coping strategies:

  1. Mindfulness and meditation: These can help you tune in to your thoughts and emotions in a calmer way. Even a few minutes of sitting quietly and focusing on your breath can make a big difference.
  2. Therapy: Mental health professionals provide the tools to help you help yourself. They can work with you to identify strategies for managing your stress, anxiety, and depression in a healthy and constructive way.
  3. Sleep: Sleep helps your body naturally reduce levels of stress hormones, helping you stay calmer and regulate your emotions better. And by prioritizing healthy coping activities, you can set yourself up for better sleep, which builds on your other coping practices.
  4. Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce stress hormones, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. Choose activities you enjoy for an extra boost.
  5. Social connections: Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by connecting with friends, family, or other community or social groups. This is a great way to get emotional support and help you work through your feelings.

Examples of unhealthy coping strategies include using drugs or alcohol, withdrawing from social interactions, avoiding problems, or dwelling on negative thoughts without actively addressing them.

If you commonly rely on any of these unhealthy coping strategies, you’re not alone. For Mental Health Awareness Month, challenge yourself to start taking steps to trade unhealthy coping strategies for ones that will serve you better.

If you’re going through a tough time and need to talk to someone, call or text the 988 Lifeline. Text 988 at any time to connect with a counselor for a free and confidential conversation.