Benefits of using coping strategies

Implementing coping strategies can help us to feel less overwhelmed by emotions and can improve many aspects of our life. For example, coping strategies can result in:

• Improved ability to deal with problems
• Strengthened relationships
• Increased energy
• Improved health
• Increased productivity
• Inreased self-esteem

Success over suicidal feelings

These coping skills will help us to get better at dealing with problems, but there is no such thing as a stress-free life. Part of life is dealing with problems. When you are feeling really overwhelmed, here are a few more things to think about:

• YOU ARE HERE: accept where you are and go from there
• DON'T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE: leave something for yourself
• TAKE CONTROL: manage your time; make goals and plan out how to reach them
• LAUGH YOUR PROBLEMS AWAY: laughter is great therapy
• TAKE CHARGE: of yourself; you can't control other people's actions
• RELAX: create quiet time, meditate, listen to music
• GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK: pause and do something for you
• YOU ARE NOT ALONE: talk to someone you trust or talk 2 us at the Crisis Centre.

Remember, the best coping strategy is always to talk things through with another person.

You can reduce the emotional suffering you are experiencing. The first thing you might want to do to help yourself do this is to work on your coping strategies.