Why coping skills do not always work

Daily Check-in for September 26th to September 28th 2025 

We use coping skills in our lives to help us feel better during difficult times. These skills allow us to tackle our problems and think of effective ways to resolve them so we can live more comfortably.

When things are not going well, you may have tried different approaches to find solutions. Coping skills are meant to help us feel happy, and we can use them again when needed.

Sometimes, coping skills do not always work, which means we need to explore other strategies when facing tough situations. You may have tried affirmations, relaxation techniques, and identified triggers but found that these coping skills weren't always effective. As a result, it’s important to seek out alternative methods for support.

How can we make our coping skills more effective? Think of coping skills like flipping a coin; it's wise to have a backup plan in place if your initial approach does not work. Just like having a plan A and a plan B.

There are three types of coping skills that begin with the letter "C":

1. **Catching** - This involves becoming aware of any negative or unhelpful thoughts. Recognizing these thoughts allows us to find ways to change our feelings.

2. **Checking** - Checking means sitting down and looking at the whole picture. Reflect on what did not work, why the coping skills you used were ineffective, and brainstorm different ways to solve the problem.

3. **Changing** - The final step is changing. Here, you replace the unhelpful thoughts identified in the catching and checking phases with more balanced and positive alternatives.

Changing our thoughts can lead to an improved emotional state and promote a healthier life.

So, what are some effective coping skills? Here are a few:

- **Keep a journal** - Write down your feelings and thoughts, which can help you process and release the emotions you are experiencing.

- **Practice mindfulness** - Start every morning and end each day with mindfulness exercises. This can help release tension and allow your day to function smoothly, while also promoting better sleep at night,

- **Challenge assumptions** - When facing a problem, look for solutions and validate your feelings. Your emotions matter, as does your well-being.

How do you challenge differences in your life?

Do you rely on just one coping skill, or do you use multiple strategies?

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