EFFECTIVE COPING SKILLS TO IMPLEMENT
Marriage has its own set of stressors but add MS to one of the spouses and it can create additional strain on the marriage. Coping mechanisms are necessary in times of difficulty within marriage; however, some coping strategies are not helpful and can further cause confusion and detachment. I’m giving you effective ways you can utilize to help manage your marital stress.
Coping effectively with the stress of MS can yield great benefits to your marriage because it helps you find ways to manage stress.
How are your coping skills working within your marriage? If it’s not solving the problems you have and bringing you closer together as a couple, it’s not effective. Here are a couple of ways to cope:
Cope better with problem-solving skills. Address the problems head on by attacking it and not each other to come to a solution. Doing so swiftly protects your marriage from anger, resentment and bitterness.
Put mental health wellness first. Healthy coping mechanisms — such as seeking out support from others, practicing relaxation techniques, exercising regularly or enjoying your personal hobbies — are all healthy coping strategies to help reduce stress.
Just as there are ways to cope in a healthy way, there are also unhealthy ways to cope with stress, such as denial, isolation, and withdrawal, substance abuse (using alcohol or drugs), overworking, emotionally eating or the lack of eating all are unhealthy ways to temporarily relieve the impact of stress. It is in the best interest of our wellbeing as MSers that we and our marriages are in the best shape mentally.
We empower ourselves when we rid ourselves of trying to handle stress alone. There is solace in being in the presence of loved ones, asking for help when needed, talking it out with a therapist or support group, or finding new ways to help support ourselves navigate better through challenges.
