I Want to Deal with the Problem

Many people find it difficult to talk to someone and prefer to deal with problems themselves. This may be because they think no one will understand, or they do not have access to any support networks or they have been threatened to ‘not tell’.

Here are a few strategies which may help with dealing with problems.

Strategy One:
Say to yourself: “The problem is never really as large as it seems” (EVEN THOUGH IT MAY FEEL THAT WAY”.)

It is sometimes good to notice what thoughts come through your mind when the problem is around. Negative thoughts can really give power to the problem. Understanding your own self-talk and knowing how to challenge negative self-talk can really eradicate the problem.

Strategy Two:

It is really important to get the problem into perspective.

Expressing the problem or how it impacts you through journal writing, poetry, art, music or sport puts the problem into perspective. Get it out of your system anyway you can so you can feel in control again.

Strategy Three:

Try and take time-out from the problem. Do something you really enjoy like going to the movies with friends, listening to music, reading a novel, or even playing X-Box.

Strategy Four:

Get informed.

Log onto websites, read books to try and find solutions to your problem. It can almost be guaranteed that you are not the first person who would be going through the same problem.

If you are not ready to talk to someone face to face, there are some online and telephone counseling services available where your identity is kept anonymous.

Strategy Five:

Remember to always try and keep your anxiety down. Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing , and Guided visual Imagery are three self-Help techniques that can really help get rid of that numb, panicky or giddy feeling. Simple techniques such as these if practiced and mastered properly can really help you feel back in control.

Strategy Six:

Trying to find a solution through positive problem solving techniques can also really help in deconstructing the problem.

Strategy Seven:

Setting goals and putting goals into action are crucial in helping climb out of any rut (other wise known as ‘the black hole’). It is important to have something to look forward to, be it a holiday away, a solution to the problem or future ambitions. It is important to have achievable goals and sub goals which act as stepping stones and to put them into action.

If none of the above seem to have helped, then talking to someone is the way to go. How you express yourself can really make a difference in how people respond. Click on effective communication for more information.