24 HOW TO TREAT : COPING
24 HOW TO TREAT : COPING
14 FEBRUARY 2025 ausdoc . com . au
matter how organised or focused people are if their illness is chronic . In these circumstances , Folkman and Lazarus suggest relying on meaning-focused coping strategies ( see figure 9 ) to get through the days . 12 The |
three strategies are healthy distraction , connection , and a sense of purpose and meaning ( see table 2 ). In this context , distraction is not avoidant , it is a reminder that there is more to life than trauma . |
Figure 10 demonstrates how to improve wellbeing through meaning-focused coping .
GPs are fortunate in that we have all three in our everyday work life . Our work brings distraction ,
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connection and a sense of purpose . Meaning matters , and will always help us cope . 13 Encouraging values-based activities , like community service , helps our patients survive too . Social media can |
enhance collective problem-solving , promote social cohesion , and provide distraction , but it can also help people make sense of the threat . 14 Digital social movements create communities that enhance |
Table 1 . Examples of healthy and unhealthy emotion-focused coping strategies
Figure 4 . Problem-focused coping involves careful tailoring of strategies in a way that meets the patient ’ s and their carer ’ s needs .
Figure 5 . Gambling may temporarily allow people to avoid feelings of anxiety .
Healthy examples
Cognitive reframing is the positive emotional and / or cognitive appraisal of a stressful situation , eg , focusing on things that can be achieved , rather than things that cannot
Meditation and breathing techniques calm the mind and relax the body Specific forms of exercise or activity , like yoga , crafting or other focused activities ( see figure 7 ) can help to distract the mind and improve emotional regulation
Journalling ( see figure 8 ) can be a therapeutic and reflective practice for individuals facing a challenge
Forgiveness is an adaptive behaviour where an individual reframes a transgression leading to healthier social relationships
Laughter can be an outlet for negative emotions and is often associated with positive social experiences
Healthy controlled distraction includes music , movies , games and other social activities
Exercise is a distraction but also has its own health benefits
Eliciting the help of a counsellor or therapist can help discover effective individual coping strategies , but can also help with techniques like cognitive reframing
Talking with a trusted friend or colleague to clarify needs or receive emotional support
Controlled distraction , or self-distraction , is an activity that is used to take one ’ s mind off a situation
Source : Millacci TS 2024 11
Unhealthy examples
Busyness can hinder the ability to cope with stressors and is used as an avoidance coping mechanism
Failing to talk about emotions can be a dangerous coping strategy
Toxic positivity is the unhealthy tendency to only see the good side of something and the rejection or denial of stress , which means invalidating emotions
Isolation from friends and family can be a risk factor for the development and regression of mental health symptoms
Venting may be helpful , but if it becomes too prevalent , it can cause an excessive focus on the issue at hand This is particularly the case if patients become excessively focused on failures in the health system , because they then have difficulties accessing care they need
Substance abuse , such as smoking , alcohol or drugs , may be used to avoid a stressful situation by providing temporary relief of difficult feelings
Denial and behavioural disengagement prevent dealing with the stressor This may also be called “ brushing it under the rug ”
Impulsive spending ‘ retail therapy ’ is spending money without prior consideration
Overeating or undereating can bring relief and comfort during a challenging time ; however , there are poor health consequences
Self-harm is sometimes used for emotional regulation but is clearly not beneficial to physical and mental health in the longer term
Figure 6 . Modifying coping using appraisal and coping strategies .