---
title: Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Uncomfortable Emotions
date: 2021-11-29T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/healthy-coping-mechanisms-for-uncomfortable-emotions"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Uncomfortable Emotions

This site offers healthy coping skills for uncomfortable emotions, including how to tackle specific problems (for example, you’re unhappy in your relationship) and how to handle big feelings (for example, after the death of a loved one).

> Whether you’ve been dumped by your date or you’ve had a rough day at the office, having healthy coping skills can be key to getting through tough times. Coping skills help you tolerate, minimize, and deal with stressful situations in life.

[Read the full article ](https://www.verywellmind.com/forty-healthy-coping-skills-4586742?)

SOURCE: VeryWell Mind • AUTHOR: Amy Morin, LCSW • LAST UPDATED: November 3, 2023

![Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Uncomfortable Emotions scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health)
- [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.

![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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)

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

[ResourcesRead

## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.

![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Taking Care of My Mental Health by Addressing Issues

SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged.

![Susan](data:image/png;base64,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)

SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-taking-care-of-my-mental-health-by-addressing-issues)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Staying Active for My Mental Health

SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist.

![Susan](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADz0lEQVRIiWWWWw4rNwxDSXnu/hdRoEDXWIunH7InCTqYBHmMRVJv//XP3xIC0tCk6S022SYWtla5qtZ6nufPep5n/VnPn7WetVbVcpVtW5IEKAKIQKIkST7vSMxjuhdzSN8/fC7r/xc/H2se4tz+tgxDYr68h/3ec0Q/9yU6pvCDLAT372OXoX5fHqSL8poruV4wSVJJQQaEJR4YBQZ/DEUCZYwPgeNVsObJo96vG67Yjz6hB/mK4GBMeIJ/AERJkfCXgiUtXLJ9JDORvlx5QkkMDK/fg1rnKctHwXvMqNBChcqqy/ckDyoQRPiJSgASCSYmUktBwWTYlaBEBmp+KKmkdX31yYfXGcJHgYA4MREtBXq+Y4MUkygRMRTUK+IrBrn++WA8mSDPmTcGLTVurNgy9phdGlC4MCxTHAXjZCBwyvR1EVz/ENFoo6SILC/bpEaBEocqjYiKyifFc7nXwTgK0KEfp0VDo8YdEVmN7WklSsyIuL46LgJRiBzTBRA/oeDGAB0RF4BEllWppDkKEHGwsXBxgvyynuSYdH8SI+nLelqK6HhTxJKH9yJNwmDUjUTwuOjK8sCDFT/NbQ9jPRAmBu7oKEgq6aRJK63JKMcqObeXvvQ50RJ63vYQ9P5Bo+DNAETJTp6jIGEwHBQd/rePJQLnFKye3OZz6HNEqHGiRiOsSB8R3VRI4yVNKHyaPIET6KsgmdQ9dX5cFDSOSiRFr3/oTjXdcVAHU8KlT6c4LE8ffm4KTegg5AJ4aJq4hn536uhIOq6ogm1KPvyH31SE0EP4VPcpFL2op2CUrHR3dae7u91xtypUSnbdqTTmIbemvxXMLJ2U+mCcFLusu3NgdquaKiRTsl7rJC/vZ+zqm/wLoxsaUoRkELrbu7VavXGBvLB/FLwGnyk4TuWFM4XvnL+Imas73dndz/beqiVthCnX9LtAn6kAEo8S6c3/W3X63K+oS3+7t/Z2berMslolfLYADdFI+SjQVXCy910tpsfoo8Hd6e29e23tkl0ClfGdxDkYQso3ABI+c/XO3eunEJOk3bt7q7f2v6rCRrLK2HVFOO/q8D8Fg+Hf7eSEIkk77W73di/tmh2jvEwZqWT/ePgDYIUbAIu7Pp1t6OZsk07vA1B1ho2xyrIl6q6IRtIBsACs6N3BvhY1cQFyROQALFVNt7OxbWyEpjsh6Zkd7MT2JwyyhX+z9YORpJXtFHGiimTLI/5kh61HymDe1D/r5+uiV4FvSVxfHTBRdZeUc0+wLUR97bZ3t37T9M2iu7V+Vtfvgv+U6qeGuNb+Ay7hK2vHvdwhAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-staying-active-for-my-mental-health)

[ResourcesRead

## Coping with Triggers

This guide explains “triggers,” or what we like to call “activators,” which are things that activate the nervous system into its alert state.

![polina-zimmerman-3958424-2](data:image/png;base64,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)

This guide explains “triggers,” or what we like to call “activators,” which are things that activate the nervous system into its alert state.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/coping-with-triggers)

[ResourcesRead

## How The U.S. Understands Stress

This review explores the history of stress, the ways stress is gendered, and how focusing on individual stress can gloss over societal inequities and systems of oppression.

![One Nation Under Stress scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This review explores the history of stress, the ways stress is gendered, and how focusing on individual stress can gloss over societal inequities and systems of oppression.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-the-u-s-understands-stress)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Catherine Cho on Postpartum Psychosis

Catherine Cho shares her experience with stress-induced postpartum psychosis. In this excerpt from her book "Inferno: A Memoir of Motherhood and Madness," Cho discusses her symptoms, her treatment, and the effect that it had on her relationship with her son.

![A white head against a red background with black branches going everywhere](data:image/png;base64,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)

Catherine Cho shares her experience with stress-induced postpartum psychosis. In this excerpt from her book "Inferno: A Memoir of Motherhood and Madness," Cho discusses her symptoms, her treatment, and the effect that it had on her relationship with her son.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/catherine-cho-on-postpartum-psychosis)

[ResourcesRead

## Impact of Childhood Stress on Heart Disease

Research shows that children who experience trauma, abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction are likelier to experience heart disease as adults.

![Pexels monstera 7353064 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Research shows that children who experience trauma, abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction are likelier to experience heart disease as adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/impact-of-stress-on-heart-disease)