Crisis Coping
Published in
Jan 17, 2022
Maybe, on tough days, you search desperately for mental health tips. “How can I feel better quickly?” The internet obliges.
- Go for a run!
- Eat fresh produce!
- Clean your apartment!
Will those things improve your mental health? They absolutely will, so says science.
But when those strategies feel out of reach, you may judge yourself for your alternatives. Please know that these are also coping skills:
- Eating a granola bar for dinner
- Keeping “clean” with body wipes and dry shampoo
- Smoking cigarettes for anxiety
- Rewatching a comfort sitcom
Maintaining your mental health is a long game. In crisis mode, the name of the game is survival. It may not be the ideal time to nurture new healthier habits. Instead, find coping that is accessible and low effort. Get to the other side of the crisis in one piece, and then build from there.
