Planning a Summer Getaway? Don’t Forget to Pack Your Coping Skills!
The summer time is right around the corner. Sunshine, camping, travel, and time with family is about to begin. In the midst of all the schedule changes, plans, packing lists, and fun- there is something that can often get left behind- our coping skills.
It is no secret that as the summer time arrives, the amount of people in consistent therapy decreases. Which is totally okay! It is important to have summer plans. Yet, the mental health symptoms that you might be working on in therapy don’t just take time off too.
Summer plans can accidentally lead to avoidance of the work we are doing in therapy. Avoidance is great in moderation, because we as humans all need a break- “a vacation from my problems” as Bob from What About Bob would say. And yet, avoidance is just a short term bandaid we seem to want to restick over and over to the same wound- yuck!
So if you are taking a break from therapy over the summer, think about creating a plan of support with your therapist before you head out of town. That way when you are out and about having fun, you will have some of the tools that have helped support your wellness journey with you along the way.
Some ideas of what to discuss with your therapist to “pack your coping skills for your trip” might include:
A journal
Panic attack mini mindfulness kit
Send updates to your therapist to discuss when you get back
Alarms for taking medication (check in with your psychiatric care provider if you are going to a drastically different time zone for lengths of time)
Pre-fill medications before travel if necessary
Fidget rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc
Document the fun times you are having
Create a phone wallpaper with an affirmation, or phrase that has been helpful to your wellness journey
Recognize the potential affects if you are participating in alcohol consumption and how it can negatively influence mental health symptoms
Have a buddy- someone with you you can rely on for support
Print out or download a coping skills list or some of the worksheets you love
The more we have a set idea of support in front of us, the more likely we are to use it. Some mental health symptoms feel so consuming that trying to logically think of skills in the moment isn’t as effective as having things right in front of you. Every persons skill choices are different, and discussing options that align with your trips location, time, and people going with you with your clinician can be a great way to prepare before heading out of town.
Notice: Please note that we keep tips and ideas for prompts vague and brief because deeper thought points are done in the personalized space of private therapy. All our posts are meant to help provide ideas, but should not be considered clinical or medical advice. If you are looking for a therapist to create goals and changes for yourself, contact us here!
