How we deal with stress or trauma is different for everyone.
How we deal with trauma or stress consciously is how we cope. When how we cope becomes ingrained, and is used in most situations when faced with stress or trauma, is called a coping mechanism.
Sometimes we avoid dealing with trauma or stress. The way we do this is mostly unconsciously. Most of us are taught to protect ourselves at any cost. Since trauma and stress are ‘bad’, we have developed ways of protecting ourselves from dealing with them. This is an automatic reaction. It’s what is called a defense mechanism.
Coping Mechanisms
Examples of healthy coping mechanisms
- talking about the traumatic or stressful event or situation
- seeking support and comfort
- relaxation
- problemsolving
- physical activity
- humor
Examples of unhealthy coping mechanism
All of the above can become unhealthy coping mechanisms, if they become your go-to ways to actually avoid DEALING with the stress or trauma. Your stress levels might be lowered, but the stressful situation or trauma still remains.
Other examples include:
- escapism
- unhealthy self-soothing
- numbing
- compulsions
- risk-taking
- self-harm
Defense Mechanisms
Common defense mechanisms
- denial
- repression
- rationalization
- projection
- avoidance
- dissasociation
- scapegoating
- trivialization
- passive-aggresiveness
- acting out
This article and its resources will be updated soon
Resources
20 Common Defense Mechanisms and How They Work
