Is there a Right or Wrong way to Dealing with Problems?

What to do when things are beyond our control? Should one just crawl up in a fetal position and stay there helplessly until someone arrives to save them? Can we push through it and put up our defensive wall to protect ourselves? Or does one go and seek professional help, whether it is through the form of a counselor, medical doctor or psychiatrist? Do any or all really work?

Everyday we encounter dozens, if not hundreds of people and we all have one thing in common…problems. Everyday people across the world encounter problems, some bigger than others or even life threatening, still it is a problem that must be dealt with. As mentioned above every individual copes with life’s problems in a different way and depending on how overwhelming it is to that person; I say that person because each one of us can tolerate a different amount of stress, challenges, and hurdles life throws at us. Just because you may be able to handle more than the next person, does not make that person any weaker. Their plate is just smaller than yours or vice versa.

Instead of judging them one should see how they can help, sometimes it takes only a smile; other times one may have to get down into the grime with that person. So never tell another person that one method is better than another, unless it is a life threatening coping skill (i.e. cutting). Time and time again we see people criticize others on how they are dealing with challenging situations in their lives, which is sad. Although we may not agree with their methods, we should try to understand why they chose that particular method.

We are all unique and one form of coping with difficult times may be different for you then it is for a neighbor, classmate or friend; this does not mean we cannot help them, it simply means we should get in the mud they are in to see what we can do to help them out rather than judging their choice(s).

Until next time!

Joey McIntosh

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands--one for helping yourself, and one for helping others" - Audrey Hepburn