Lacy Apfelbeck, the founder of Edge of the Red Sea Ministries — a Christian nonprofit based in St. Francis that helps families and individuals find physical, emotional and spiritual healing — said an unhealthy coping mechanism is something a person turns to over and over, something that isn’t productive and can maybe lead a person into more trouble when experiencing tough times in life.
Aside from something like pornography, which is evil, coping mechanisms aren’t always immoral in moderation, Apfelbeck told “Practicing Catholic” host Patrick Conley in a program set to air at 9 p.m. Feb. 14 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM. Apfelbeck gave examples of scrolling on social media and overeating as coping mechanisms.
These mechanisms, Apfelbeck said, allow us to release and regulate pent-up angst or anxiety.
“That’s why they kind of work as they help us release a little steam,” Apfelbeck said. “But then quickly, that pressure is building back up. So, when we’re positively working through these coping mechanisms and getting rid of them, it’s because we’re letting the steam fully out of the pressure cooker and then we’re dealing with what’s really inside.”
Apfelbeck recommends that when people face difficult situations and feel the need to pursue coping mechanisms, they should not isolate themselves and be alone. She also recommends “bringing into the light” the hardship and praying to God about coping mechanisms.
“When we keep something in the dark and in secret, then it has that power and control over us,” Apfelbeck said. “As we bring it out into the light, it loses that power and control. And I know for me, I start to realize that I’m not as unique as I was. … There is no sin in the Bible that isn’t going on today, and there are no new sins.”
When people work through emotions and coping mechanisms, Apfelbeck said they can find experience peace. She quoted Philippians 4:7, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
“What are those things that I need to forgive myself (for)?” Apfelbeck said. “Then I don’t just stick confessing them to myself. I bring them to confession, and then I share them with somebody that I trust, somebody that I think will understand.”
To hear more from Apfelbeck about developing healthy coping mechanisms and leaning on God during difficult times, tune into “Practicing Catholic,” which repeats at 1 p.m. Feb. 15 and 2 p.m. Feb. 16.
The program also includes an interview with Father Michael Van Sloun on the impact of his “Faith Fundamentals” column in The Catholic Spirit. Also, Lauren Bakke of the Catholic Softball Group shares her personal faith journey and her growing love of Christ.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, “Practicing Catholic” can be heard after it has aired at archspm.org/faith-and-discipleship/practicing-catholic or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.