Navigating Stress: Lessons from Young Adults’ Coping Strategies During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our resilience, especially among young adults in Canada and France. A recent study identified four distinct coping styles:

• High Coping (33%): Utilized a broad range of strategies to manage stress.

• Socially Engaged (47.1%): Relied on social interactions for support.

• Self-Care and Healthy Lifestyle (10.1%): Focused on personal well-being through activities like exercise.

• Low Coping (9.8%): Employed limited strategies, often struggling with stress.

Notably, young men were more likely to be in the low coping group, while rural residents often adopted self-care approaches. These findings highlight the importance of personalized coping mechanisms.

Tips to Enhance Coping Strategies:

• Diversify Your Coping Mechanisms: Combine social engagement with self-care practices to build resilience.

• Stay Connected: Maintain relationships through virtual or safe in-person interactions.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies into your routine.

• Seek Support: If you’re struggling, reach out to mental health professionals or support groups.

By understanding and adapting our coping strategies, we can better navigate challenges and support our mental well-being.

for the original article, see here:

https://journals.plos.org/mentalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmen.0000261