Life and a roller coaster have a lot in common: both come in many shapes and colours; both start with a big drop and have ups and downs regardless of where you sit; both require participation and are more fun shared; both swing between fun and terrifying; both require following safety rules; and both go fast and don't last long enough.

Our reaction when the going is not good

Common negative reaction patterns include self-victimisation, reacting in anger, self-blame, slipping into depression, and dejection or giving up. Trials, faced with perseverance and patience, produce endurance.

Coping in the short run

Share what you're feeling, exercise, jot it down in a diary, and accept the anxiety before creating a plan — ask yourself whether you need a therapist, a doctor, more exercise, or time with friends, and plan for months or years rather than days.

Coping in the long run

Avoid believing you can cure it alone, that your situation is uniquely worse than others', or that a treatment that doesn't work in a week never will. Release your stress, don't self-victimise, remember you always have a choice, think objectively, create an action plan, ask for help if you need it, see the setback as an obstacle to overcome, and identify the lessons learned.