Reducing Bad Coping Habits

Are your coping behaviors helping you recover? If they are not, you can change them and develop more positive
coping strategies.

Unhelpful Ways of Coping
Traumatic experiences often leave people feeling misunderstood and alone. This might lead to unhelpful behaviors such as:

• Isolating yourself from others


• Anger


• Using alcohol or drugs

Helpful Ways of Coping
These behaviors will not help you recover. Instead, replace them with one of the strategies below:

• Using natural supports


• Learning about PTSD and trauma


• Talking to others


• Talking with your doctor or counselor


• Practicing relaxation methods


• Increasing positive distracting activities


• Starting an exercise program
  
• Volunteering in the community

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