Recently, I have been reminded that you just never know what someone is going through. So many people I know and work with are living in the quagmire of depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and suicidal ideation. It makes me sad to know that so many people are suffering. Indeed, the National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that as many as one in four people are living with mental illness at any given time and that suicide is a leading cause of death for young people.

Sad statistics to be sure. Been there, done that. One of the things that helped me in my own recovery from mental illness is learning how to use good coping skills. I have learned that exercise, listening to music, reading and going to the movies help me keep the blue meanies at bay. But coping skills only work if we use them. Sometimes, it can be difficult to figure out what might make you feel better when you are stuck in the mud of mental illness. So, below is a short list of coping skills that might work for you when you are feeling low or overwhelmed or anxious or that people might be better off if you were not around:

• exercise such as walking, running or riding a bicycle

• writing in a gratitude journal or diary

• coloring or painting

• watching your favorite television program or movie

• crossword or word search puzzles

• listening to music or playing a musical instrument

• doodling on yourself instead of self-harming

• taking a long, hot shower or bubble bath

• retail therapy (within reason)

• cleaning or organizing your home

• knitting, sewing or crocheting

• aromatherapy with scented candles or essential oils

• calling a friend or loved one

• meditating

• play basketball, soccer, go boxing or kickboxing

• play with your pets

• sing or dance to your favorite tune

• cook or bake

• read for pleasure

• visit with family or friends

• play solitaire or other card game or computer game

• play with a balloon or have a water balloon fight with friends

• play a board game with family or friends

• put a puzzle together

• yoga

• learn a new language

This is not an exhaustive list, but some suggestions that might make you feel better. I realize that when you are feeling very low it might be difficult to even consider employing your coping skills, but I am fairly certain that if you just give it a shot, even just for a little while, you likely will feel better. Why not give it a chance?