Self-help Coping Methods

We all have those days when we feel sad or anxious, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. These emotions, along with others, are very natural to feel, especially in times of heart ache and stress. For those who are experiencing ongoing depression and anxiety, here are some coping methods:

1. Painting Instead of Cutting: Cutting of the skin is by far one of the most popular forms of self-harm in today’s society. A healthy, as well as entertaining and fun alternative for this is painting your body where you would normally cut yourself. Creating beautiful color schemes on the skin makes you less likely to cut yourself and ruin your artwork.
2. Starting a Journal: An efficient way to reduce anxiety is to open up about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. If you’re not comfortable talking to a family member, friend, or medical professional about your issues, you can do so with yourself. Whether you decide to write about your own problems, or channel your anxiety into creating poetry or short stories, writing is a great way to take your mind off of things.
3. It’s Okay to Cry: In times of sorrow and stress, sometimes the best thing you can do is let out all of your emotions and cry. It’s okay to feel sorry for yourself occasionally, but remember that breaking up with your boyfriend, not getting the lead role in the play, and all the other drama that comes with high school is not the end of the world.

If you are experiencing extreme depression, anxiety, or having suicidal thoughts, it might be time to talk to a family member, medical professional, or the school counselors.

Hannah Adams is 17 and a junior at Letcher County Central. She is very influenced by the Arts and has been since elementary school. She enjoys reading, writing, and creating various genres of art, such as paper crafting, knitting, sewing, and more. She hopes to get a degree in Journalism and work at Disney World.