Many people are struggling with mental health issues right now. One way to get help is by attending individual counseling sessions with a therapist.
In counseling, the therapist helps patients learn new coping skills and mechanisms to help them through difficult times. And recent research shows that four out of ten adults in the United States currently struggle with depression or anxiety.
With that in mind, here are seven skills helpful in dealing with difficult situations:
-
Using the Five Senses
Individuals can do many things to ground themself and focus on their senses. It can help relieve symptoms of anxiety. Some activities that engage the senses include exercising, drawing, painting, cooking, gardening, listening to music, knitting, and doing puzzles. Grounding through focusing on the five senses is a great way to cope with anxiety.
-
Exercising
Exercise is excellent for physical and mental health, especially during difficult times. It can be done alone but better with a friend or family for company. Going for a walk, run, or other exercise forms can be as effective as therapy and help improve mood stability.
-
Doing Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk helps individuals assure themself that they can get through a difficult time. It’s a solid coping skill discussed in therapy. Reminding oneself that things are temporary and that this, too, shall pass can help. In therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to combat negative self-talk. Staying optimistic and focusing on what is going well instead of what is not going well is an essential coping skill.
-
Prioritizing Self-Care
In difficult times, one must focus more on taking care of themself. The things that worked in the past might not work now, so it’s essential to have more tools in one’s toolbox to deal with these challenging times.
-
Keeping a Journal
Writing things down can help in processing situations and becoming more aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. Journaling regularly can be a powerful way to improve mental health. For instance, individuals can begin writing about things they are grateful for or other mental health journal prompts.
-
Tuning into One’s Emotions
It’s essential to be aware of one’s emotions and not try to hide from them. Acknowledging emotions can help an individual manage them better. Paying attention to physical sensations, body cues, and thoughts, followed by labeling the emotion, is compelling. The end goal is to manage the emotion in a way that works for the individual. There is a high emphasis on emotion regulation skills and improving emotional intelligence in therapy.
-
Practicing Relaxation
Relaxation techniques can help an individual focus on deep breathing and pleasant imagery. For example, imagining a peaceful place while focusing on deep breaths is a beautiful relaxation practice. Walking through the five senses is also helpful.
Conclusion
Many coping skills can help individuals deal with difficult situations. These skills include positive self-talk, relaxation techniques, and social support. While some of these skills may be more effective, it is crucial to find what works best for an individual and practice using them regularly. Additionally, it is essential to remember that difficult situations are often temporary and do not define anyone.
Therapy24x7 offers psychotherapy and life-coaching services online. We work to provide support, enhanced coping strategies, and results-based therapy for issues affecting daily life, such as stress management, clinical depression, chronic anxiety, unresolved childhood issues, grief, and body image issues. If you’re looking for a therapist in Brooklyn, NY, we can help. Get in touch with us today, and let’s talk.