✨Coping Mechanisms✨

Is it fair to say that sometimes life can be one big ball of RUBBISH? It’s like you’re either suffocating in your thoughts , overwhelmed by the constant obstacles , frightened by the depth of issues you’re facing but drowning in guilt for not being grateful for what you have.

It could even be that you’re haunted by that persistent fear that life won’t go the way you planned , almost like success just isn’t written for you. ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ they say and yet many of our thoughts & conversations are built upon comparisons & reminders that we’re not where we’re meant to be.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is that ‘ we can’t control what happens on the outside, so at the very least, we must try to control the inside & the way our brain chooses to process things.’ Now of course, it’s extremely difficult at first to identify the controllable variables & adopt a positive mindset, but it’s the little things that make a HUGE start.

But then sometimes things become so much more bigger than us - the uncontrollable variables. This is where the coping mechanisms, ‘healthier’ coping mechanisms, come into the mix. Bottled up thoughts, worries and anxiety need somewhere to go. Do we just leave milk in the carton ? And if we do without releasing/putting it to use , what happens ? See now the only difference with our thoughts is that they don’t rot or expire. They’ll leave permanent stains & come forth in uglier ways until you shut down.

Finding your Pen2Paper

I understand that talking about things with someone may not be helpful to you & maybe writing isn’t your strong point. That’s absolutely fine, you can make ‘Pen2Paper’ subjective to you & your strengths.

Now my Pen2Paper is writing - that’s my form of therapy, whether it be a song, poem, story or even a letter to me.

Maybe yours is singing, making a song or composing a beat/mixtape that’s reflective of songs that mean something to you. Maybe it’s going to the gym/exercise & using that as your form of release. It could be a day/weekend dedicated to self care - cleaning and making your space your safe haven, face masks, spas ( if you can) , watching your favourite things & relaxing. If you’re someone that is okay with talking, sometimes that’s all you need. Don’t think too deep into talking, just surround yourself with those that pour love into you & speak. You’ll realise how beneficial this can be for your mental state. Sometimes your Pen2Paper might be taking a break. It’s important to have a do nothing day ; you owe it to yourself to let your brain recharge. Lastly, be open to exploring new coping mechanisms that may work for you.

I’m very much aware that these things will not eradicate all the issues in your life but merely assist you in coping with and slowly minimising them. It’s about finding your strengths/interests to help you deal with your weaknesses.