Coping mechanisms are the things we do when faced with stress or trauma. Often, these things become second nature when stressful situations arise. We may not even notice that we are doing them!
My go-to coping mechanism
This is still a judgement-free zone, right? Good.
So... I am a recovering repressor. I'm not even sure that's a word, but I mean I repress emotions. Repression is unconsciously blocking unwanted feelings or impulses.OK, I know you have questions.
Here's the thing... at the time that I am repressing an emotion or impulse, I am not aware of it. It's only after analyzing my thoughts and behaviors that I realize how I really feel. Wait, wer're analyzing feelings now! Thank God for therapy! As to how I got there, we'll delve into that some other time.
So what has changed?
Well, thanks to therapy I have prioritized introspection. I am invested in understanding how I truly feel. Sure, there are still feelings to unpack, but the key here is that I don't run from them anymore. I am now more emotionally mature to sit with my difficult and uncomfortable emotions. I try to make sense of why I feel the way I do. I love this for me!
Shameless plug...I like having a soothing candle burning when I'm having one of these introspective moments. Yacht Life has been my go to for this. The ozone and orchid notes really put me at ease.
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