5 Ways to Cope With Frustration
Posted by Sylvia on October 25th, 2008
Did you know that frustration can lead to depression? Do you know that depression, anger and frustration are linked to anxiety? My therapist explained that to me many years ago. And he was so right.
Today, I can resolve issues that more readily, knowing how each emotion affects the others. Now I can see where my depression and anxiety come from. Frustration.
If you can get a handle on your frustrations, you can reduce your occurrence of anxiety and ease your depression.
Here’s how you can turn your frustrations around in your favor.
1. Forget them.
Too often, when we become angry and frustrated, we tend to harbor those thoughts and feelings. We run them over in our minds, magnifying their impact on us. If something frustrates you, put it behind you and move on. Of course, you’ll need to fix whatever is causing your frustration in the first place, or it will just return. This is where problem solving comes in.
Identify your problems/frustrations. Look for solutions, or seek help if necessary. Don’t let that tape keep running in your head.
2. Don’t irritate them.
Frustrations will worsen if you constantly “pick” at them, like you would an ugly scab. Worrying and pondering over your frustrations will only give them more power. Don’t let your attitude feed your frustrations. In other words, don’t allow yourself bite back.
3. Don’t run from them.
People divorce because they cannot deal with the frustrations they face with their partners. This resolves nothing and can lead to regret when you calm down and regain control. It’s a fact of life that problems will persist and recur. Learning to deal with them at the start will do far more good than letting them simmer. The longer they last, the more frustrated, angry and anxious you will get.
4. Don’t ignore them.
Frustrations aren’t like gems that you can hide away for safekeeping. Frustrations need to be examined, evaluated and addressed so they can be resolved quickly. If you don’t, the negative feelings and emotions will affect your life. The pent-up frustration and anger will blow at an inopportune time and at the wrong people.
5. Make your frustrations work for you.
Frustrations make us strong. They give us resilience and energy to do amazing things. The energy that is born of frustration makes us creative in finding solutions. In the end, they make us better people. If you work with your frustrations rather than against them, you will have better results. You will find the answers. Those answers will help you to deal with problems that arise in the future, as they are sure to do.
Identify your triggers, face your frustrations, and you will reduce your anxiety attacks and relieve your depression.