What are some of the best strategies to use in order to cope with difficult emotions?

Allow yourself to sit with the emotion. Note how you feel. Be still and be present with yourself while you emote. In order to cope with big emotions, we must first understand what they feel like then allow ourselves to move through them. What things do you notice? What do you feel and where do you feel it in your body? Sadness can feel like a tightness in your throat, anxiety is usually focused in the chest, and other types of stress or worry typically sit in your stomach. What thoughts are coming to mind? Maybe journal about what you are thinking and feeling. Once you have tried to work through it, if you still need extra support, maybe call up a friend or family member or even a line for extra support. Do something to restore what you may have lost from emoting and trying to work through the emotion. This can be anything that brings you even a small amount of joy or peace (e.g., playing with your dog, going for a walk, drawing, playing a game, etc.).