Project CURB Basics

We gain confidence in ourselves when we successfully take on difficult situations. Successful problem-solvers are able to control themselves so that they don't respond automatically (or inappropriately) to problems or passively avoid them by doing nothing.

If we have a pattern of negative thinking, we will often get tripped up in difficult situations. When we make things seem worse than they are, we cope less effectively and may become depressed.

Situations in which we have lost someone or something important to us are often hard to understand as anything but negative. But learning to cope and adapt to life's challenges is critical to developing as an adult and avoiding excessively down moods. Take a minute to think about your life goals. How many of them will involve challenges and possible losses? Taking tests, writing applications, starting new jobs, and forming new relationships are all part of moving into adulthood. Each one can be difficult and, at times, disappointing.