Different ways of dealing with problems

Experiencing problems and being worried is a normal part of life. The level of stress people feel as a result of their problems and worry is different for everyone and the way people cope may also vary. It is possible to have a number of ways to manage different problems.

Problems may be scary and it is not uncommon to feel stressed and become angry. In dealing with these feelings it is important you don't hurt yourself or anyone else. Coping with problems or worries in a violent way is not OK. If you are having difficulty managing your stress levels you try to let people around you know, maybe you should even discuss it with your doctor or other health worker.

Suggestions for coping with problems and worries

There is not one right way to cope with problems and worries and finding a way that suits you is important. Bottling things up inside may make the situation harder. In coping, it may be helpful to do something that allows you release the stress, anxiety or anger you may be feeling. This may make it easier to manage your problem. There a number of things you can do that may help:

• Talk to someone you trust - It may be hard to let someone know what is going on however reaching out to someone may help you feel better. It can be a relief to share your thoughts with someone else and it may be possible to manage your problem together. You may find it helpful to talk with a friend, family member, youth worker or teacher.
• Write it down - It may take time for you to feel ready to talk with someone. You may find it helpful to write about what is worrying you. Making a list of the positives and not so positive things can sometimes help to make things clearer.
• Do a Drawing - Some people may express themselves through their artwork.
• Do something you enjoy - Taking your mind of the problem may be helpful. You may be able to do this by doing something you enjoy. Doing something active may be a way of releasing some tension. It may also be helpful to hang out with friends, read a book or listen to music.
• Talk to a counsellor - If you are finding your problem makes it hard to carry on with day to day stuff it may be helpful to talk with a school counsellor or youth worker. They should be able to help you work out how best to manage the situation. Check out our PACE Services support page for more information on who can help you.

Working through it myself -You can take steps to work through your concerns

You may want to think through your situation yourself before you decide whether to talk to someone else about it. Thinking through what is going on may help you to be clear about what your concerns are.

It may help to begin by writing down what is troubling you. If you are not sure what exactly is wrong then try writing down all the different feelings and thoughts you are experiencing. Sometimes confronting your feelings can be difficult. If things become overwhelming it may be helpful to have support from someone you trust. This may be a friend, family member, youth worker, counsellor or your local doctor.

Has something or someone upset you? If a situation or a particular person has upset you, what are your feelings about this? Is there an argument you need to resolve? (If so you may want to read the fact sheet on resolving an argument.)

Is there something you want to change? If there is you may want to think carefully through the change and how other people may react. Writing down the possible positive and negative outcomes of making such a change may help you make a decision.

What are your options? Think through all of your options. It may help to make a list of the positive things you can do along with listing the possible negative results of each.

Change can be stressful

Making changes in your life may be stressful, and having someone who can support you through the change is a good idea.

Talk to someone about your situation

Talking about your concerns with someone else may help. Telling someone you trust about what is concerning you may help you sort through your feelings. The person you tell may help you see the situation in a new perspective. They may also suggest options that you had not thought about before. If you do decide to talk to someone else you need to feel that you trust the person you are talking to.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, please don't hesitate to contact us.