Letting go of coping mechanisms that no longer serve us

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Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ 

I have a bit of an emotional moment in this one! In this episode, I talk about how we can spot those things that may have been useful at one point but are limiting us now. And look at how we can start to even entertain the idea of moving away from them without getting overwhelmed by the things that we're running away from in the first place.

• Identifying coping mechanisms that have become detrimental
• How once-helpful behaviours or thoughts can now cause stress, annoyance, or interfere with work and relationships
• Acknowledging the negative impact of these coping mechanisms
• Letting Go of Detrimental Coping Mechanisms
• Symbolism of finding freedom after letting go of detrimental habits
• Thanking coping mechanisms for past usefulness while acknowledging their current negative impact
• The process of letting go described as taking small steps
• Emphasising gradual change rather than extreme transformation
• My experience of letting go of self-harm as a coping mechanism
• Therapist's advice to apply the same principle to hoarding
• Reflecting on past coping mechanisms and their evolution
• Reassessing the need for detailed to-do lists as a coping mechanism for insecurity and fear
• Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Small Victories
• The power of achieving small victories
• Using every bit of progress to fuel the next step, even if it feels impossible
• Identifying the benefits derived from hoarding and finding alternative positive coping mechanisms
• Adopting Positive Behaviours and Embracing Change
• Importance of trial and error and gradual change in adopting positive behaviours
• Encouraging curiosity and open-mindedness
• Acknowledging that change doesn't have to happen all at once
• Our lives can be better without the distress-causing coping mechanisms
• Support and Community
• Invitation to hoarders for an event for support and discussion
• Acknowledging past coping mechanisms, embracing self-acceptance.
• Struggling with past coping mechanisms; learning to let go.
• Identify harmful coping mechanisms to improve well-being.
• Understanding underlying emotional needs.
• Reflect on coping mechanisms, assess their effectiveness.
• Identify and let go of problematic coping mechanisms, consider letting go of hoarding behaviours.
• Reflect on positive moments, gently acknowledge the problems.
• Find positive coping mechanisms, assess their effectiveness, and make gradual changes.