What is a Coping Skill?

A coping skill is something an individual does that helps them feel better. Coping skill is an umbrella term, meaning many different things fall under it, and are considered a coping skill. Coping skills can also fall into two categories: adverse or helpful. 

Adverse coping skills are things that can be harmful, work against your interests, or are viewed negatively. Such examples would be cutting, smoking, drinking, hitting others, or risky behaviors. An adverse coping skill might help an individual feel better initially, but cause damage, or increases risk. Someone may drink to feel better; initially it may cause decreased distress, but over time can cause significant harm to the person’s life, such as impacting relationships, employment, or increasing risky behavior.

Individuals might not view their coping skills as adverse. Even if the individual views it as safe, a coping skill can still be considered adverse if it causes harm or increases risk to those around the individual. An example is: someone may say driving is their coping skill, yet when they drive while upset, this specific person takes risks they normally wouldn’t take, such as not following laws, or speeding. On the surface level, driving could be a helpful coping skill; however, in this scenario, the person's state of mind and actions while applying this coping skill are risky, which makes it an adverse coping skill for this person. 

Helpful coping skills are things that help you feel better, and do not carry adverse concerns. Coping skills come in wide types and can be almost anything. Some examples are walking, petting an animal, spending time in nature, exercising, talking about your feelings, or practicing breathing exercises. Coping skills come in many types, and it’s important to find the ones that work best for you. 

Need help changing, or increasing your coping skills? Reach out to Fun First Therapy to talk about setting up an evaluation or reach out to your current provider to review your current coping skills. 

I hope you enjoyed this post!

-Sophie Butcher MSW, LMSW