COPING MECHANISMS

 

                                                   BLOG ON COPING MECHANISMS

 

Disappointments, setbacks, failures and stress are inevitable stepping stones in our lives. This is what makes coping mechanisms a vital part of human well-being, to deal with the obstacles and bounce back from such situations.

WHAT ARE COPING MECHANISMS?

The term ‘coping’ is well known among the general pubic. Coping is a dynamic situation specific reaction to stress. Coping mechanisms are a set of concrete responses to stressful situations or events, that are aimed at either finding solution to a problem or to reduce stress caused by it.

Significant life events, such as loss of a loved one, disturbed interpersonal relationships, unhealthy completion, can cause grief or distress. In more severe cases, like a fatal accident, it can lead to trauma. To adapt to the stress or trauma, people may use distinct combinations of emotion, thought and behaviour, depending on the nature of situation and one’s personal coping strategy.

THEN WHAT ARE DEFENCE MECHANISMS?

The term ‘Defence Mechanisms’ could be misinterpreted as coping mechanisms, but they de facto different.

In his Psychodynamic theory, Sigmund Freud, the father of psychology, defined three levels of consciousness-concious, preconscious and unconscious. The unconscious level includes the mental activity that we are unaware of. Also, according to Freud’s theory, the primary structural elements of personality are three, i.e. id, ego and superego. The way ego deals with the internal conflict between the id and the superego, by distorting the reality is called defence mechanism. Most of it occurs at an unconscious level.

On the other hand, coping mechanisms are typically conscious and purposeful measures. They are used to manage an external situation.

TYPES OF COPING MECHANISMS

                                             

Task oriented coping strategies involves dealing directly with the source of stress, evaluating the stressful situation and the alternative courses of action that can be taken. For instance, thinking that, ‘I should schedule my time better’or ‘I should work harder to score better in my exams’.

Emotion oriented strategies comprise of efforts to stay optimistic and control one’s emotions, when nothing can be done about the situation . Along with that it also involves venting feelings of aggression and frustration. For example, ‘I should meditate to vent out the stress’. It may seem that the emotion focused strategies are simply ignoring the problem, but this is an important one too. Sometimes we have no control over our situation, like these Covid19  times and the feeling of distress and disappointment caused by it. In such cases, it is essential to focus on what we can control-ourselves.

Avoidance oriented strategies involve denying or minimising the seriousness, also consciously suppressing the stressful thoughts and replacing them by self protecting thoughts. Examples of this are to plan a trip with our friends or watch TV whenever we find ourselves overwhelmed with the situation.

WAYS OF ADAPTIVE/POSITIVE COPING

 Positive coping styles include:-

·       Talking about the stressful transaction to a supportive person.

·       Taking out time to relax. Doing meditation, journaling, listening to soft music.

·       Exercise can serve as a natural and healthy way to relieve stress. Running, yoga, swimming, dance and other types of physical activities that can get the happiness hormones rush in your body, and cope with stress and after effects of traumatic events.

MALADAPTIVE COPING

There are a number of distinct ways to deal with one’s problems, but some coping mechanisms can be a great stress buster for the moment, but may give the same result in the long run. Some of these unhealthy coping methods are:-

·       Withdrawing oneself from their close ones and become socially isolated.

·       Trivializing, making small of something that is really big.

·       Self-harming, i.e., intentionally harming the body.

·       Compulsions and risk-taking, people may seek an adrenaline rush through compulsive or risk-taking behaviors such as gambling, experimenting with drugs, theft, or reckless driving.

 

People who find themselves defaulting to maladaptive coping mechanisms and/or experience difficulty utilizing effective coping strategies may eventually see a negative impact on mental and emotional well-being. Those who have a difficult time knowing how to cope with anxiety, stress, or anger may fall into the habit of relying on a maladaptive coping mechanism.

The use of effective coping skills can often help improve mental and emotional well-being. People who are able to adjust to stressful or traumatic situations (and the lasting impact these incidents may have) through productive coping mechanisms may be less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns as a result of painful or challenging events.

BHHAVYA AHUJA

ST.THOMAS’ SCHOOL, DWARKA