Why Coping Skills are Critical to Your Mental Health
It sometimes takes a crisis to highlight and expose the cracks of our society. The mental health epidemic has been blindingly apparent during these last 23 months of the pandemic. It has been simplified to a by-product of the pandemic and it is said that once the nation heals, the people will heal.
What we should be highlighting is the conversation around the poor mental health of the nation! The path to recovery for many Americans, and the way to remove the stigma of mental health, is to recognize that mental health was an epidemic before Covid.
The Impacts of Mental Health Challenges
Mental health challenges affect tens of millions of people in America, according to the National Institute of Mental Health and over 47 million adult Americans according to Mental Health America. Without the properly curated national conversation, trust and vulnerability are scarce for those who want to speak out and seek help.
A person's life experiences, and environment can transform their brain health in unique and different ways, shaping the foundations of their mental health. Many people feel ashamed and afraid to come forward and speak out if they feel they need help. Most often, they wait until they’re on edge before reaching out for support. During the pandemic, the already limited mental health support has been harder to find for people struggling with mental health, but it doesn't mean that hope is lost.
Utilizing the support and connections in your local community is vital to the healing process, but that doesn't mean you can't have your own 'toolkit' to pull from. Whether it be meditation, breathwork or art, finding the right coping skills to help relax and ease your mind will aid you in navigating daily life.
While there isn't a one size fits all solution, you may find that one particular coping skill works better for you than another. These are a great place to start when you're developing your mental health 'toolkit':
Art Therapy
Art therapy is known to help those of all ages cope with their mental health challenges. It benefits those with stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Art therapy can be painting, drawing, coloring and mandala art, etc. A study published in the Social Behaviour and Personality journal revealed that the act of coloring and creating mandalas reduced and relieved social anxiety and is a good coping skill for anxiety management.
Meditation
Studies have shown that meditation reduces stress, depression, anxiety and can help those coping with pain. It helps calm your mind and body and can promote healing. In some cases, meditation is about as effective as an antidepressant. It can help an individual cope with the symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Breathwork
There are many different types of breathwork techniques. They focus on an individual intentionally changing their breathing pattern. This coping skill is especially beneficial for those with anxiety and who have experienced trauma.
Coping Skills are Critical
Wherever in a positive or negative mental health state, learning to utilize proven coping skills can help on the journey to healing. If you're in between mental health appointments or not yet ready to make that first appointment, coping skills will be critical tools you can leverage any time you need them.
Bounce Back and Breathe is a community that can be there for you when you need support. Reach out to day to see how we can work together to a brighter and healthier future.