By Natalia Martinez

Trauma can be one of life's most difficult challenges to navigate. It can leave you feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from others or even the world around you. Maladaptive behaviors, or unhealthy coping skills in nonprofessional terms, are behaviors we use to help us deal with challenging situations, perhaps because of trauma. Such coping skills can include substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, and risky behaviors. Though these behaviors may provide instant or temporary relief, they are more harmful than good, and they never address the root of the problem. So, what does this mean? Well, the feelings and symptoms we were initially trying to deal with, will always resurface. 

• Substance abuse 

Alcohol or drug abuse numbs the pain and helps people forget about their trauma, at least for a short while. However, this coping skill is not helpful in the long run because they can lead to addiction, financial instability, and social problems. In more severe cases, it leads to death. “According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, nearly 100,000 annual deaths are due to alcohol abuse.”  In therapy, you can identify the root cause of your addiction and develop healthier ways of coping that lead to a fulfilling life.

• Eating habits

For some people, overeating or depriving themselves of food is an unconscious way of coping with their emotions. Emotional eating causes significant harm to your physical and mental health. Depression, guilt, and low self-esteem are a few of the side-effects you may experience. In therapy, you will learn how to recognize the signs of emotional vs. physical hunger, and how to take care of your body without shame or guilt.

• Risky/Sexual behaviors 

Another behavior is engaging in dangerous sports or dangerous sexual behavior. These behaviors may provide a temporary thrill, but they can also lead to life changing consequences including sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. In therapy, you can explore negative belief systems, identify triggers, and seek ways to healthy ways to cope. 

Steps In Replacing Your Negative Coping Skills With Positive Ones 

Realizing you are using unhealthy coping skills and changing them can be hard. Perhaps there are habits that are simply a “normal” part of your routine and you have never thought of them as something that hasn’t allowed you to fully heal. Meeting with a trained therapist to explore your sources of coping can be a first step in replacing unhealthy behaviors with positive ones that can support your path to healing. 

How to Identify Your Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

The first step in healing from trauma is realizing when your coping skills are harmful. Coping mechanisms that once helped you to survive can become problematic over time. Therapy can help you identify and explore healthier alternatives to your current habits.

Exploring the Root Causes of Unhealthy Behaviors

Many people who deal with trauma have underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. These conditions can make it hard for people to deal with their emotions. Therapy might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. EMDR and ART allow you to process traumatic memories and reframe them in a healthy way.

Developing Positive Habits

Once you have identified your unhealthy coping skills and explored the underlying causes. You can then begin to develop positive habits that support your healing journey. New positive habits may include mindfulness, regular exercise, prayer, or connecting with others. Therapy can help you gain the tools and support you need to create lasting change in your life.

Building a Support System

Healing from trauma can be a long and challenging process. It's important to have a support system in place to help you through the difficult time and even to hold you accountable to your new and healthy coping skills. Walking your journey towards healing is easier with a solid support system that makes the journey less lonely. Remember, healing is a journey, take the first step today, and discover the life you want to live.

Catch up on the rest of our trauma series below

Part 1: 5 Signs You May Need a Trauma Therapist in Tampa, FL

Part 2: Identifying and Changing Negative Thought Patterns After Trauma

Part 3: Understanding and Coping With Painful Trauma Nightmares and Flashbacks

Part 4: Coping with the Numb, Disconnected, and Detached Feelings Caused by Trauma

Part 5: Unpacking Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Identify Behaviors You Need To Let Go Of

Part 6: Overcoming the Fear and Avoidance of Trauma Triggers with Therapy

INTERESTED IN GETTING STARTED WITH A THERAPIST IN TAMPA, FL?

When we are dealing with trauma, it is common to develop maladaptive habits in an attempt to cope. Our therapists can help you identify and reframe these unhealthy behaiors from our North Tampa, FL office located in the Northdale neighborhood. To start grounding yourself and managing your symptoms, follow these simple steps: 

Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa or call us at 813-254-3200

Schedule to meet with one of our counselors at our North or South office.

Start learning to manage your symptoms associated with your trauma.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA 

Our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice offers a wide range of services to meet your specific needs.

We understand the many ways your mental health may be impacted in life. As a result, our team is happy to also offer play therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, counseling for teens and young adults, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.