Wellness Wave Wisdom

By: Abby (Abigail) Burd, MSW, LCSW, LCS26867 Coping mechanisms are the strategies and behaviors we use to manage stress, navigate challenges, or cope with difficult emotions. These can range from healthy habits to less optimal choices. Sometimes we reach for alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. It’s important to recognize that these coping strategies emerge from a genuine need for relief, comfort, or escape. MiraCosta College mental health counselors emphasize understanding and acceptance without judgment. This helps us approach discussions around substance use with compassion and empathy. The Role of Coping Mechanisms Many of us turn to substances not out of recklessness, but as a way to manage stress, pain, or overwhelming emotions. This coping mechanism is rooted in a basic human desire for relief and well-being. Acknowledging this can shift the conversation from stigma and shame to understanding and support.  What might it be like to say, “thank you” to the substance for serving

by Nidya Ramirez Ibarra, LMFT Nidya Ramirez Ibarra is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who grew up in Escondido, CA. An immigrant and past community organizer, Nidya utilizes her knowledge and years of experience as a therapist to co-create a space to initiate change, gain insight, build skills, and establish support. Prior to joining the mental health team at MiraCosta College, among Nidya’s experiences was working for 8 years at a local non-profit with families, individuals, and children struggling with trauma due to intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. In addition to working with student in individual, relationship, and family counseling sessions, Nidya also facilitates MiraCosta’s UPRISE support group for undocumented/ mixed status students and their loved ones. During almost a decade of working in therapy with individuals who had been victims of intimate partner violence I heard many inquire, with the hopes of a promising answer, whether