Episode 7 - Coping Mechanisms for Stress

Show Notes: Ep 7 Coping MechanismsCoping Mechanisms - When dealing with chronic stress it's not uncommon to use improvised help tactics such as self-medication, food binging, social self isolation, or gallows humour etc. This may assist in the short term, but can likely cause other issues such as addiction, or can damage our career. If you are feeling stressed the best thing you can do is attempt to identify the cause/s. This will then allow you to address them.Whether we realise it or not, it is likely that we will all employ some form of coping mechanism to help us beat stress. However, these can range from helpful to harmful.https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/tips-to-reduce-stress/https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/#top-tipsGallows Humour - This can help to relieve tension connected with traumatic incidents, lower blood pressure and anxiety, and increase the immune system.However, humour is subjective and so what is funny to one person may be upsetting or offensive to someone else. Also inappropriate humour is an increasing reason for disciplinary action. Really important that the public are not exposed to such humour.https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/crisis-control/202006/in-praise-gallows-humorEscapism - This is good in moderation, but may become an issue if it becomes a person’s primary coping mechanism as it may exacerbate self neglect, obsession, addiction, or even depression.https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/forms-of-escapismSubstance Useage / Self medication - May include smoking / vaping; alcohol; use of illegal / prescription / over the counter drugs; inappropriate food consumption (stress eating). Repeated use will only temporaily mask stress, not reduce it. You will never know that you are addicted until you are. Activity - Aerobic exercise is generally considered the most effective for stress reduction. For adults of working age, the NHS and the UK Chief Medical Officer recommend at least 150 mins of moderate intensity exercise, or 75 mins of high intensity exercise per week.https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469Take Control - A feeling of being out of control of your circumstances can be a primary cause of stress and more serious mental health issues. Identifiying where you feel out of control, and taking action to regain that control. There is nothing wrong with getting help to do this.Connect with People - Talking to colleagues (who get what you’re going through), or if appropriate, friends and relatives can be a great stress reliever. However, if things get really bad, there’s no substitute for a professional counsellor (whose registered with a professional body), or psychiatric professional.“Me” Time - As much as it’s about the activity you choose, It’s also about giving yourself permission to enjoy yourself. You’re not being selfish, you’re prioritising yourself so that you can give your best to others.Self care has been identified as important to health by the World Health Organisation.Tactics like a ‘no meetings hour’ can help you implement self care during the work day if you are non-frontline.https://defradigital.blog.gov.uk/2023/07/24/why-its-important-for-me-to-make-time-for-self-care/Challenge Yourself - Setting goals or starting projects (ei