For many, smooth sailing is a foreign concept — unlike feeling as though life is out of control when the seas turn dangerous. Would you agree that proven coping skills are the best possible life preserver? Here are 10 ways to cope when life gets out of control.
You say, ‘’Next time I will remember that it does get better and I’ll have more faith.’
Introduction
Has your life ever spun out of control? It can happen to anyone, but those of us dealing with an emotional or mental illness may run into it more.
If it’s happened, did you know what to do about it? What did you end up doing? Did it bring relief?
What we do when a “feeling out of control” episode has arrived — or when we sense one is coming — is crucial. And that’s why we need to be prepared with proven coping skills.
10 ways to cope when life gets out of control
Blue skies await if we make good decisions and take action
Okay, your panic disorder package, major depressive disorder downs, and overall level of stress have been elevated for about a week. Right after seeing another overdraft notice, you read the email from H.R. announcing imminent layoffs. And if all that wasn’t enough, there was bad news from the vet about your pup.
You know from personal experience, the goings-on are of the caliber and quantity to convince you your life is out of control, But you’re not going to take it lying down, so you’re looking for proven coping skills.
Consider these for your arsenal…
- Don’t expect to feel warm and fuzzy — and dispose of the “everything’s fine” cover. It’s okay, because it isn’t fine, But that doesn’t mean it can’t be.
- When the weeds are this deep, we want to resolve each and every issue before bedtime. Not only will it not happen, we’ll implode trying. Leave it at taking on just one and seeing what impact you can realistically make.
- Separate your circumstances from your personal identity. Never forget how powerful our inner critic and butt-kicking potential are. The calamity has nothing to do with who you are.
- Stay away from prognosticating on how you’ll feel in, say, a week’s time. You may paint a beautiful picture, but you have no way of knowing. Don’t set the table for a crushing blow.
- Seek counsel and support, especially if you’re feeling deeply insecure and/or unsafe. Don’t have anyone reliable in your corner? Okay, dial the 988 Lifeline (U.S., for other countries). Seriously, take action.
- Do not turn to substances for relief. It may seem like a natural , but every time you dodge a growth opportunity, the reality of long-term positive change fizzles. The same applies to relationships and people.
- Don’t fall into the “24/7 indoors” thing. Get out-and-about, even if you have nowhere to go. And if you’re not up to driving or can’t, find someone — or take a walk.
- Don’t push away those you care about, and who care about you. As much as isolation may feel natural, it’s a dead-end coping skill. Feel free to say you’re having a rough go and need some space, but don’t push them away — they may be all you have.
- Please don’t believe this is the end of the line for you. Millions have endured the same and made it out. What makes you think you aren’t as savvy, resilient, and deserving?
- This is from a Chipur reader who’s endured her share of tough times…
You just gotta’ hold on, listen to your little voice, and somehow it always eventually gets better. You say, ‘’Next time I will remember that it does get better and I’ll have more faith. Maybe I’ll end up blown apart but I’ll be wiser and have more compassion for myself, poor little kid, me’
Bottom-line: I don’t care how cooked you think your goose is, it ain’t over ’til you say it’s over. You can do this.
The best possible arsenal
Let’s call it as it is: many of us don’t get to enjoy our share of smooth sailing. And we’re likely going to have occasional “feeling out of control” episodes when the seas turn dangerous.
But we’re in possession of the best possible life preserver — an arsenal of proven coping skills.
Please review the Chipur emotional and mental illness info and inspiration titles on the articles page — or by category below, right sidebar on desktop. We’ll both appreciate it.
After a decades-long wrestling match with emotional and mental illness, Bill finally found his professional and personal passion – life’s meaning. He wanted to lend a hand to those struggling as he did, so off he went to grad school at age 49 and earned his counseling credentials. He continues his service through Chipur and other projects.