Coping Skills

Last weekend I watched Saw III, and it got me thinking about coping skills.

One of the main character's in this movie-the apprentice- was a victim herself in the first movie, due to her drug addiction. After successfully freeing herself from one of 'Jigsaw's' traps, he took her under his wing. Although it was important that she commit fully to him, and of course, give up the drugs.

As we find out in the third movie, drugs was her way of dealing with her emotions. She obviously took her committment to 'Jigsaw' very seriously, however simply found another hurtful way to cope - cutting herself.

Now, I didn't really think anything of it at the time. Mostly because I was in the middle of watching a graphic horror movie, and cutting oneself was fairly tame in comparison to the rest of the movie. However, I began to think about it the next day when I was working out at the gym.

I thought, 'Boy am I glad that I exercise when I am stressed out.' Which spiralled into a number of other thoughts about the types of activities that I engage in when I am feeling emotional or stressed or simply down and out. And I am glad to say I focus on positive stimulating activities that help me deal with my emotions rather than unhealthly activities that only help to forget and dull the pain, like drinking, drugs, cutting, etc.

When I actually started to make a list in my head, it become quite comprehensive: exercise (especially running), reading, watching movies, playing video games, visiting and confiding with close friends, knitting, and self-reflection.

It saddens me to think that people feel they have no other option, or simply don't know how to deal with emotions/stress. It is so important to ensuring one is a healthy and stable individual. You never know what life will throw you.

Today I played video games, knit, and watched movies. It was a good day.