How do you cope?

For a person who is struggling with dealing with self-management of their diabetes regimen, trying to lose weight or manage other health related issues, the demands create an ongoing challenge and the need to cope with the stress.  There are numerous researchers who have explored types and theories of coping, with the purpose of wanting to understand how people become 'good copers' versus those who are not able to cope with such demands.  One of these theories or concepts of coping is called the problem focused model (Lazarus). This type of coping involves how the person attempts to change the environment in order to adapt, deal with or change the stressor. Research is this area suggests that for many individuals who tend to cope using a problem focused approach, their sense of psychological well-being is better than those who focus on their emotions.  Additional research has added further understanding to this model of problem focused coping, acknowledging that individuals consciously select and engage in particular coping behaviors, and that individuals also differ in their coping strategies, depending on the stressor.  What kind of 'coper' are you? Do you focus on how you feel, and base your coping strategies on your feelings?  Or - are you a problem focused 'coper' - seeking how you can change your environment so that you feel better?  Whatever approach works for you  - is the most important concept of all.