Coping Skills

The one aspect of having a mental illness is that a therapist or coach or whomever you will see or speak with will tell you, "You need to find new coping skills." In full disclosure, I am not good at this at all being at this moment that I am writing this blog post, I am slamming down mini Hershey chocolate bars. I had an interesting night at work.  Nonetheless, I am learning to use new coping skills to help me in times of stress, anger or just being down.  I have looked up coping skills, and I have found some helpful ones. For me, writing my feelings down on paper has helped, talking and being open for the first time to others about my cutting has kept me grounded this past year. 

The thing is coping skills that I (we) have had in the past probably have gotten us into trouble. For example, binge eating, cutting, drugs or alcohol. These are coping mechanism or things we use to make the anger, pain or hurt we feel inside go away. The issue with these, they do not add to our well being nor do they help take the pain away nor do they help us deal with our emotions.  I am learning this alongside everyone else. There are times that I get so angry I just want to punch someone. There are times that I hurt so much that I just want to cut the heck out of my arm. Does this make me feel better? Yes, but only for a moment, then I am back to hurting all over again, I have dealt with nothing.  The bottom line is that all of this healing process and reprograming your mind takes time.

I found a list of coping skills I will attach it below in a link below. This is one of many lists available online. 

In the meantime, breath in, breathe out and remember you are enough.

Cheers
Rachel



http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/JournalPages/99-Coping-Skills-Poster.pdf

http://www.marcandangel.com/2017/09/04/40-quotes-for-coping-with-things-you-cant-control/

The Journey

My journey with mental illness did not start until I was in my 30's because that is when I was diagnosed. My illness has actually been with me since I was a little girl. The more I learn about my mental illness, the more the pieces are falling into place. My actions as a child, which were seen defiant and disrespectful, were actually me trying to cope with my surroundings. It amazes me how much my responses as a child make sense to me now as an adult. Through this blog, I want to share my journey as a student, adult and a future teacher on what I have learned, what I am learning about my illness. Let the adventure begin.

photo from the Schuylkill River Manayunk Pa 2009 R. Howe


DISCLAIMER:  I do want to mention that this is my journey. This is my story with mental illness and all the thoughts and triggers that come with it. I am getting help from a professional. Please, I urge you to call the suicide hotline at 1.800.273.8255 if you want to hurt your self. I encourage you to call a mental health professional, speak to a guidance counselor or your doctor. There is help out there and you are not alone.