Research Into Coping Mechanisms in Anxiety & Depression

Studies have found that the struggles we human beings face often come from within us.  Our thought life, experiences and traumas combined with our coping mechanisms can determine the success or failure we’ll have in overcoming anxiety and depression.

This research offers a deeper insight and understanding.

Research Findings

Study #1  – In 2013 in the UK a colossal size scientific research of over 32,000 adults was conducted to take a deeper look into anxiety and depression levels and their possible causes.

Findings – in the majority of adults were that their traumatic life events were the biggest factor to cause both conditions.  Their individual coping styles were significantly responsible for their depression in par with the traumatic life events that were experienced by each individual.

These 3 coping flaws contributing to anxiety and depression

1. Spending a lot of time focusing and obsessing on negative thoughts or events.
2. Lack of communication to friends or family for support and an inability to anticipate events that may turn out stressful.
3. Self-blame

Study #2 –  In a study aimed to find out if certain thought types could benefit people by making them accepting of behaviours that they often have a hard time with, like exercise.

Findings – Individuals initially were asked to focus on something that is important and meaningful to them, like core values or family.  They were more receptive to acting on suggestions of taking up regular exercise in the month to come.

Study #3 – In 2015 studies into the connections between positive emotions and inflammatory cytokines that is a chemical linked to heart disease, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.  200 people were asked to record positive emotions throughout their day.  Then cheek swab results were compared to prior ones taken to check for cytokines levels.

Findings – Test results showed that the most positive and healthy emotion was awe, and also determined that those with the lowest levels of cytokines had the highest levels of positive emotions.

Ways Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help those with anxiety and depression learn new and better coping mechanism.

During Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the therapist and patient work together to address reasons for thinking and acting in a certain way.  The patient also learns to overcome obstacles.  CBT helps people to stay focused on the present and aims to find answers as to why and how a person thinks and acts the way that they do.  It also helps to identify problem behaviors and problem thinking and focuses on addressing those issues.  The CBT approach is educational. Structured learning experiences are used by the therapists to get patients to document their negative thoughts and mental images in an aim to get the patient to recognise how their mood, behaviour, and physical condition are affected. Coping skills and problem solving is also taught in an attempt to adjust thoughts and actions.

Those taking medications for Anxiety & Depression should consult their GP or mental health care professional prior to commencing any alternative treatments.  See below for helpful resources.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred.Dip.Couns.(Christian)

Sources

New Psychology Research Findings you should Know about – By Jonice Webb Ph.D
Web MD – Cognitive behavioural Therapy for Depression

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