Challenges or triggers are the people, places, or things that “set you up” or overwhelm you and may lead to unsafe behavior.  A challenge can be as broad as anger or as specific as “when my friend says…” It is important to identify your challenges and the things that cause you high levels of stress.  What are your challenges?  Who are the people that rile you up?  What are the emotions, places, relationships, and events that stress you out?  What phrases can you not bear to hear?  
 
Once you’ve identified your challenges how do you develop new behaviors to cope with them?  There are two general ways to handle challenges:  
 
Modify the challenge

• Try to avoid the challenge – don’t go the family event or don’t hang out with a particular group
• Change the challenge – break the challenge up into more manageable portions – do part of your work today and the rest tomorrow

 
It is not always possible or even preferable to avoid or change other people, places, or events.  In these cases, consider taking a look at your response: 
 
Modify your response 

• Decide how you will react when the challenge occurs
• Change how you view the situation or another’s actions
• After the challenge occurs process your reactions and feelings with someone on your accountability

 
Learning how to deal with challenges in a healthy and positive manner can seem impossible especially when we have been using old ways for so long.  However you can learn and practice new skills to cope. At Equilibria Psychological and Consultation Services, we have experienced therapists that work with individuals in developing strategies to deal with life challenges.  As you work with one our therapists you can begin to learn your triggers and ways to manage the accompanying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You can learn how to modify a challenge and your response.  Please do not hesitate to contact us at 267-861-3685 for more information about how we can help.
 
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