Avoid These Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

avoid-these-unhealthy-coping-mechanisms

Most people form routines that later serve as a stress-reduction strategy. Coping mechanisms, coping behavior, or coping strategy is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to try to buffer or shield oneself from the psychological harm brought on by a difficulty in their life. Coping strategies can be either good or bad. Unluckily, a lot of those habits are bad ones which are why it is important to consult mental health care in California.

A coping technique may be seen by some as an addiction. Like most habits, coping techniques have addictive characteristics. We feel compelled to them and frequently struggle to reject them. Coping strategies are employed as diversionary tactics and as a crutch to help people cope with stress. Consequently, a coping mechanism is more of an unconscious habit that can be detrimental to your well-being than an actual decision you make. If not treated well and not asked for help through mental health services, these habits will become harmful to our mental health.

The most common examples of negative coping mechanisms that may soon require counseling are:

  • Consumption of alcohol outside of socially acceptable situations or in excess of what is reasonable
  • Substance abuse, especially if it’s done regularly as a coping mechanism for problems
  • Eating junk food on a regular basis rather than just occasionally
  • Gambling in excess of what is socially acceptable in terms of frequency and amount
  • Smoking addiction

Darling Psychology offers telehealth in Huntington Beach, California. When it comes to providing mental health care, we adopt a contemporary, integrated, strength-based, and “mental health first” approach.

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