Negative Coping Mechanisms Can Cause Negative Outcomes

When you think of negative coping mechanisms what comes to mind? Is it drinking excessive alcohol, or using drugs? Those things aren't wrong of course, but what if I were to tell you there are a few other negative coping mechanisms that don't seem harmful, but if done to keep yourself busy enough so that you can escape reality or your thoughts, can lead to be harmful in the long run. Some examples include;

- Countless hours of watching Netflix/Tik Tok

- Sleeping the day away

- Over or under eating (with weight gain or loss)

- Withdrawing from friends/family

- Lashing out at others in emotional or physical violent outbursts

- Self medicating

Of course taking time for you in this crazy world is needed and alone time is a great time for personal reflection and growth, but be careful that all your alone time is not spent mindlessly doing things without any conscious effort.