To solve issues, it's not enough to identify their causes; instead, one must make concerted efforts to craft a strategy for effecting change. Specific topics that arise in regular life may be addressed using these methods. The ultimate purpose of problem-solving is to facilitate behavioral modification. As whole, dysfunctional behaviors are issues that must be addressed.
When an unpleasant feeling is consistent with the realities of the situation, it's time to do some problem-solving. In addition, the ability to figure out solutions is crucial for making one's life worthwhile. It's a fundamental ability for dealing with or taming difficult emotions.
Complicated feelings might shift as you work through problems: The goal of the method of problem-solving is to remove the source of negative feelings from the scenario. When the circumstance justifies the feeling one wishes to alter, changing the situation may be the most excellent method to change the emotion.
When responding to a stressful situation based on emotions is unlikely to be productive, it might be helpful to use problem-solving skills instead. The possibility of successfully dealing with various challenging circumstances increases when problem-solving is used as a coping technique. Unlike other abilities that become second nature with experience, problem-solving is often an active process that requires a deliberate and concentrated effort directed at coming up with and implementing novel approaches to resolving daily challenges.
Recognizing the existence of an issue is the first step toward resolving it. Even if we can't instantly perceive what may be done to modify a situation or interact differently with a person, we need to solve problems when they arise because of the unpleasant or harmful feelings they elicit. Examples of when to use problem-solving include the following:
- Problem-solving is required when avoiding situations or people who trigger unpleasant feelings prevents us from achieving our goals.
- Problem-solving is required in one-off scenarios, such as when one does not have transportation to a medical visit or when an illness suddenly strikes one.
- Repeatedly having a person misunderstand you is an example of a recurring issue that may be solved.
- One chronically problematic conduct is the inability to refrain from participating in harmful or counterproductive actions. Self-injury, drug misuse, irrational outbursts, and failing to complete schoolwork or therapy sessions all fall under this category.
- Problem-solving may be most urgently required in the face of persistent circumstances that cause ongoing suffering, such as staying in an abusive relationship or doing a job one despises daily.
The Fundamentals of Problem-Solving
We must first examine the available facts. Then, please explain what it is about this troublesome scenario. The adverse outcomes that result from the circumstances should be acknowledged.
- I'm scared I'll miss a significant appointment since I don't have a ride there.
- When I am sick, it's challenging to focus on my work and do my best, making me anxious about my performance.
- When my friend misunderstands me, it causes tension between us and makes me want to quit communicating with them.
Next, explain the problems and conflicts or other roadblocks preventing you from finding a solution.
- I can't find a means to get to my appointment on time.
- I can't afford the medication I need to get sick.
- She is my only friend, and I'm worried about alienating her and losing her relationship.
You should now verify the intensity of these problems you've identified using the facts and determine the accuracy of your information. In most cases, our reactions are based on how we see things rather than how things are. This is a crucial stage since our understanding might be right or wrong.
It's easy to catastrophize and make a situation much worse than it is, so when you've established what the facts are and aren't, evaluate how stressful the scenario is.
If you're having trouble finding a solution, take a closer look at the specifics of any lingering problems. When you're feeling down, it's natural to focus on many more issues than exist. For example, an argument between two people could seem like a big deal while you're in a bad mood but a weak interaction when you're feeling happy.
If reality testing doesn't help with negative feelings, we need to determine whether to attempt problem-solving or do the opposite. Doing the opposite of what you feel compelled to do may profoundly affect your mood. Emotions may be altered by finding a solution, avoiding, or changing the triggering situation.
A luxury dual diagnosis treatment center like Wish Recovery can help you manage your emotions and recover from substance misuse.
February 17, 2023
