Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Everyone deals with stress and difficult emotions, but the way we cope with them can either help us grow or keep us feeling stuck. When stress, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions hit, the way we respond can either help us build resilience or lead us down a path of avoidance and self destruction. Healthy coping mechanisms, like talking to a trusted friend, engaging in physical activity, or practicing mindfulness, allow us to process emotions in a way that promotes long term well being. On the other hand, unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use, emotional eating, or shutting down completely, might provide temporary relief but often make things worse in the long run.   

At Brightside Behavioral Health, we see how these patterns affect individuals and relationships every day. Many people don’t realize they’re using unhealthy coping strategies until they start feeling stuck, repeating the same behaviors but never truly finding relief. Therapy provides a space to explore these patterns and replace them with healthier alternatives. Instead of bottling up emotions, clients learn how to express and process them in a way that feels productive rather than overwhelming. For some, that means developing better communication skills in their relationships. For others, it’s about finding small, manageable ways to care for themselves without guilt. 

Breaking the cycle of unhealthy coping isn’t about perfection, it’s about recognizing what isn’t working and making small shifts toward better choices. Whether it's through individual therapy, couples counseling, or learning new skills in a supportive environment, our team helps clients move toward healthier ways of managing stress and emotions. Brightside Behavioral Health offers in person sessions in Johnston, Cranston, and Warwick, as well as telehealth services throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. If you’re feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, or need help recognizing them, reaching out for support is one of the healthiest choices you can make.