According to dictionary.com, a coping mechanism is “an adaptation to environmental stress that is based on conscious or unconscious choice and that enhances control over behavior or gives psychological comfort”. Most of us have been through “it”. “It” meaning some type of pain or conflict you don’t understand how to work through. Whether it’s a death in the family or your own mins that’s turning everything negative, it all counts as a form of hurting that should be taken seriously, big or small. Sometimes, people turn to counseling or therapy. Other times, we try to figure it out on our own. Some people go for a run, while some may paint, but things can take a turn for the worst when people turn to substance abuse or just turn what can be a healthy way to cope into a nightmare.
Maybe you turn to excessively going to the gym, and you push your body too far. Now you’re at your physical limit, in order to ignore what happening with you mentally. There’s nothing wrong trying to face something independently and head-on. However, it’s possible to become overwhelmed, and what once helped you push through, is now holding you back from further progress. Don’t get stuck! Make sure whatever you choose to do is helping you get better, and not just temporarily postponing the pain. You might convince yourself that whatever you’re doing is ok because no one is getting hurt, but you might be hurting yourself. Then, the people who care about you become affected by default.
No matter what’s going on in your life, it’s important to remember your importance. If you feel yourself drowning, know that’s worth it to find a buoy, but let it turn to stone. You deserve to be happy, but sometimes the fight to getting better may seem impossible to win. I’m here to tell you it’s not impossible. Getting better starts with you deciding to begin and telling yourself you need to improve. Because if you convince yourself you have a losing hand, then you’ve already lost. Look at your life and find what’s helping, what’s hurting, and what’s just numbing the pain. Don’t be scared to feel it, but don’t dwell in the discomfort. Be able to let yourself experience your emotions then move to find better ones. Change starts with you, and you deserve to heal.