Anxiety is described as an apprehension, fearfulness or a sense of powerlessness due to a threat that is less visible or definable than fear which has a visible object or trigger. A simple definition of anxiety is that it is an emotional pain.

Anxiety is a person’s response to stress and it occurs inevitably. Stressors will always be a part of our lives and they may or may not be anticipated. Either way, they will cause anxiety.

There are different methods of how people cope with anxiety. These methods are categorized into four types namely Adaptive, Palliative, Maladaptive and Dysfunctional.

Adaptive coping is when a person finds solution to the problem which is causing anxiety. As an effect, anxiety is decreased or completely eliminated.

To site a common life example where a number can relate to these days is job loss. Instead of sulking, a person who has adaptive type of coping style will move on and start finding another job. These individuals are rational, objective and productive. Because they are determined, they will not be disheartened when difficulties come on their pursuit for a new occupation.

Palliative coping, from the name itself produces temporary relief of the anxiety. The person’s strategy is primarily directed to reducing the anxiety instead of solving the problem. The temporary reprieve however, will condition the person towards problem solving.

Using the same example, the man who just lost his job will go out and take on a game of his favorite sport. As soon as his mind is relaxed, problem solving is then possible and he may be able to think of ways to find a new source of income.

When an individual has unsuccessful attempts to decrease his anxiety without attempting to solve the actual problem, he is exhibiting Maladaptive coping.

The man who suddenly finds himself jobless will try to ignore his anxiety by going to bars and drinking with friends. He will later try to look for a new work but will constantly complain of the adversities he comes across with and may resort to drinking every now and then.

Dysfunctional coping mechanism will never resolve the anxiety or the source of the problem itself. Persons with this type of coping engage in activities that neither targets the anxiety nor its cause; as a result more problems begin to develop.

The man who just got laid off or fired will ignore his anxiety by persistently drowning himself in alcohol until he becomes an alcoholic. He will also frequent casinos to gamble. Eventually, he will lose the remainder of his finances and will be facing more unpaid debts.

Have you witnessed persons who exhibited one of these types of coping styles? Perhaps a more important question is to ask yourself which one of these you have.

The way individuals cope with anxiety and stress is essential in understanding how well they function in their personal, social and occupational roles. Effective coping strategies usually take time to learn and use consistently, but this will vary for every person and social support plays a very significant role.

Author Bio: Brent McNutt enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells urbane scrubs and urbane 9502 as well as a host of additional products.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Anxiety ,health