Unraveling Worry: Take the Quiz and Discover Your Coping Superpowers!
Worry is common
Everyone experiences worry, anxiety, and concern in their life. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that an estimated 31.1% of adults experience some anxiety disorder in their lifetime. These feelings of anxiety can stem from various sources, whether it's the anticipation of an upcoming event, something we dread, or something we hope for. We can have concerns about health issues affecting ourselves or those we care about. We can have work or school deadlines that are creating stress and worry. While situational anxiety is common, do you find that your fears are more persistent? Do you often brush them aside, telling yourself it’s not a significant issue, thinking, "I can manage it; it will resolve itself when..."? Do you focus on finding a path forward, or do you enlist the magic of positive thinking?
How do you cope with your worries?
Do you ignore them, become fixated on finding a solution, or continuously dwell on them? Let’s explore how you deal with your concerns.
Coping with Worry Quiz: What’s your go-to skill
1. When a worry pops up, you:
A) Distract yourself with a hobby or activity.
B) Write it down and brainstorm solutions.
C) Go over it in your head repeatedly.
D) Talk to friends or family about it.
2. If you can’t solve a problem right away, you:
A) Let it go and focus on the present.
B) Create a step-by-step plan.
C) Keep thinking about it until a solution appears.
D) Seek advice from others.
3. Your ideal coping mechanism is:
A) Meditation or mindfulness.
B) A to-do list.
C) Journaling about your feelings.
D) A heart-to-heart with a friend.
4. In stressful situations, you usually:
A) Try to lighten the mood with humor.
B) Analyze all the possible outcomes.
C) Get stuck in a loop of “what ifs.”
D) Look for support from others.
5. Your reaction to unexpected change is:
A) Adapt and move on.
B) Assess the situation and plan.
C) Worry about what could go wrong.
D) Discuss your feelings with someone.
What’s Your Style
Problem-Solver
Distraction Artist
Connector
Overthinker
Scoring
Mostly A’s: The Distraction Artist – You prefer to sidestep worries with positivity.
Mostly B’s: The Problem Solver – You tackle worries head-on, strategically.
Mostly C’s: The Overthinker – You tend to get wrapped up in your worries.
Mostly D’s: The Connector – You rely on others to navigate your concerns.
What’s your coping go-to style?
Are you surprised to learn that you are The Problem Solver? Or did you confirm your master level skill of distraction? Read about the coping style benefits and pitfalls. It is essential to find balance when using our coping skills. Be open to mixing it up for the best results.
The Problem Solver (Problem-focused)
Benefit: When you are the problem-solver, you directly address the source of stress by taking action to solve the problem or change the situation. Examples include planning, seeking information, or actively working towards a solution.
Pitfall: If this is your only coping mechanism, it will prevent you from understanding your emotions, hindering your self-awareness.
The Distraction Artist (Avoidance)
Benefit: The Distraction artist is skilled at distancing herself from the stressor or avoiding the stress altogether. Examples include procrastination, substance use, or social withdrawal.
Pitfall: When avoidance is the only way to get through a tough time, you will likely repeat the situation and stay stuck emotionally.
The Connector (Social Support)
Benefit: The Connector seeks support and assistance from others to manage stress and adversity.
Pitfall: Support is terrific; however, if we depend solely on others to care for us, we don’t learn the other coping skills to get us through life, and we don’t get to create a wonderful relationship with ourselves.
The Overthinker (Cognitive Reframing)
Benefit: Overthinkers are masters at changing how they think about a stressful situation, which helps to reduce the emotional impact.
Pitfall: The concern is that it leads to toxic positivity. Again, a great coping strategy when balanced with the other coping strategies.
There are more coping strategies!
Sign up for my newsletter to learn four more coping strategies. You may be surprised that mindfulness, my go-to skill, must also be balanced with other skills.
Mix it up!
We have various coping strategies at our disposal. Each one has its purpose and usefulness. All are beneficial when used in a balanced way. When we get cemented in using only one coping skill, it becomes problematic and can exacerbate the initial struggle. I suggest mixing it up a bit. What coping skill is not your go-to, and what interests you? I would start there, find ways to practice this new skill, and slowly add it to your toolbelt of skills.
If going at this alone is daunting and a little support is what you need to learn new skills, please reach out to me, Amy, or another professional.
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a professional with expertise, this platform is not a substitute for in-person therapy or mental health evaluations.
Mental health concerns are complex and require a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified mental health professional. If you are experiencing mental health issues or need support, I strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed therapist or counselor. Your mental health is essential, and appropriate care should be tailored to your individual needs.
By using this information, you acknowledge and agree that no professional relationship is established, and you should not rely on this content for any mental health decisions. Always consult with a qualified mental health provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your mental health.
