Coping Strategies for Anxious Times
ANXIETY IS ON THE RISE, BUT IT DOESN’T always reveal itself through sweating, stammering or other obvious signs. Anxiety can show up in many guises, among them irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, even gastric issues.
It can also manifest itself in several different behaviors meant to reduce anxiety—anything from binge-watching TV to quitting your job to dyeing your hair purple. These are known as defense mechanisms or coping strategies, and while they can be helpful, they can also sometimes be harmful. Here are five common types, in both their healthy and unhealthy versions, and some ideas for putting them to effective use for yourself and the people around you.
Seeking Comfort (Regression)
Everyone seeks comfort. You are regressing, however, when you act on a desire to chuck your age-appropriate responsibilities. As any parent can attest, this is a very common coping mechanism for children in moments of stress.
