Which of the following is not considered a coping strategy?

• A. Deep breathing exercises
• B. Seeking social support
• C. Ignoring feelings
• D. Engaging in creative outlets

Answer: (C)

Ignoring feelings is not considered a coping strategy because effective coping strategies involve addressing and managing emotions rather than avoiding or dismissing them. Coping strategies are intended to provide healthy mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, or difficult situations.

Deep breathing exercises, seeking social support, and engaging in creative outlets are proactive approaches to coping. Deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and body, seeking social support fosters connection and helps share burdens, and engaging in creative outlets allows for expression and processing of feelings. In contrast, ignoring feelings may lead to increased stress or emotional problems over time, as unresolved emotions can accumulate and impact mental wellness negatively.