Using Coping Skills to Navigate Trauma Symptoms

Nothing we do can make feelings go away completely, they’re always going to be there coming and going in intensity, even our self-destructive behaviors we use are only temporary bandaids to our feelings and eventually start causing more problems then help.  

Humans are left with 10% solutions: the things that get us through 5%, 10%, 15% of the time or things that help for a few minutes while we are doing them.  Some of these activities include: taking a moment to breath, reading a book or watching a movie, filling out a worksheet, crafting, crossword puzzles, playing with a pet, or taking a hot bath. 

There are many, many coping skills out there that can be used to help get through the moment.  Often our most difficult moments require more than one coping skill.  

Here is a link I found that breaks coping skills into different categories based on the type of coping skills that work best for you and your immediate needs:  

https://positivepsychology.com/coping-skills-worksheets/

Make a list of skills you can use in a distressing moment.  Include ones you know work for you, if you have any that you know work, but try to include 3-5 new ones to try and start practicing them.