Defining Coping

Coping in the broadest sense is any activity, thought, or feeling you do to help you handle stress.

• mindful awareness – focusing your attention on your body, breath, or movement to help you become focused in the present moment.
  • for example, deep breathing or body movements
• action coping – intentionally doing things to help us feel better when we’re stressed.
  • for example, changing the situation that’s causing the stress or thinking of ways to solve the problem. 
• avoidant coping – actions that help us to stay away from feeling upset or worried.
  • for example, watching TV, playing video games, or purposely thinking about something different.

It’s important to know that you can use all three types of coping together at the same time or separately.

We encourage you to think about any combination of coping techniques that you’re already using or would like to try in the future!

Remember, querer es poder; you have a choice in how you respond to gender dysphoria!