Positive Coping Statements

Life can be so tough at times so it’s a good idea to have little strategies to help you get through. One strategy that I use is positive affirmations to help keep my state of mind on top of things. I found these statements below and thought there were some fantastic ones. I definitely wanted to share these with all my lovely readers.

My favourites:

“My mind is not always my friend”; “I can be anxious/angry/sad and still deal with this”; “I feel this way because of past experiences, but I am safe right now.”     Mandy X

Positive Self Talk

Positive coping statements encourage us and help us cope through distressing times.  You only have to watch a tennis match to see the power of positive self talk.  The player who looks despondent and is probably criticising himself whilst making lots of mistakes and not playing very well.  The other player may look very confident, using lots of positive self talk to encourage and push themselves, and they play like a master.  This process might swap from player to player during the match – but the one who is using and believing positive self talk will be the better player at that time.

We can say these encouraging words to ourselves, and be our own personal coach.

We have all survived some very distressing times, and we can use those experiences to encourage us through current difficulties.

Examples of coping statements:

Stop, and breathe, I can do this

This will pass

I can be anxious/angry/sad and still deal with this

I have done this before, and I can do it again

This feels bad, it is a normal body reaction.  It will pass

This feels bad, and feelings are very often wrong

These are just feelings, they will go away

This won`t last forever

Short term pain for long term gain

I can feel bad and still choose to take a new and healthy direction

I don`t need to rush, I can take things slowly

I have survived before, I will survive now

I feel this way because of my past experiences, but I am safe right now

I’m stronger than I think

It`s okay to feel this way, it`s a normal reaction

Right now, I am not in danger. Right now, I`m safe

My mind is not always my friend

Thoughts are just thoughts.  They are not necessarily true or factual

I will learn from this experience, even if it seems hard to understand right now

This is difficult and uncomfortable, but it is only temporary

I choose to see this challenge as an opportunity

I can use my coping skills and get through this

I can learn from this and it will be easier next time

Keep calm and carry on

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.