10 Coping Skills for Stress to Use in the Hospital
If you have been admitted to a hospital you are not as free to use the 15 coping skills for stress for home.
But, here are a few ideas that I actually did while in the hospital. I am sure these will help you, too!
- Watch TV. As long as there is not a therapy session going on, the TV can be a wonderful tool to transport you out of the ward/hospital.
- Play a game. Most hospitals have board/card games on the ward. Ask the other patients if they would like to play. Sometimes if you ask a staff person to organize a game they will help you. It could be a help to someone else, too.
- Put a puzzle together. On a lot of wards they will have puzzles, if not ask a friend or family member to bring one to you, during visiting hours. Maybe they could stay long enough to help you get it started. This is also a good group activity.
- Journal. If you do not have a notebook to journal in, ask the staff for one. It is a great release to write down what is on your mind. Sometimes you can share what you write with your doctor.
- Draw. Once again, if you do not have the crayons or markers, ask the staff. I use to draw pictures that reflected my emotions that were bottled up inside. I would also use the different colors to express my emotions.
- Sharing with the staff. The staff have been trained to help people who suffer with depression, anxiety, and suicidal feelings. If you are struggling, sometimes it helps to share what is on your mind with them and it takes the power away from the feelings.
- Phone a friend/family member. Most hospitals have a phone on the ward, so you can call a friend or family member. They can even call in to you! But make sure that it is someone supportive.
- . Again, make sure they are supportive. If can help just having a friend or family member visit. They can help you stay connected with the outside world.
- Put together a collage. Most hospitals can get you old magazines that you can cut out pictures or words that express your memories or feelings you are having. Being a abuse survivor, I used this to express myself when I couldn't find the words.
- Ask for what you need. If all else fails ask the staff for what you need at the moment. Sometimes if you ask the staff to take the ward for a walk, they will take you if the hospital has grounds for safe walks. Tell the staff you are struggling and what you need now to relieve the anxiety or depressed feelings you are having.
These are 10 coping skills for stress that you can use in the hospital.
Maybe you know of ones you can do at the hospital. Add them to the list.
If you go voluntarily to the hospital take the list with you. When you are in the moment read through the list until you find one that will work for you.