What are coping-links?
A copinglink is a consciously chosen identity, similar to a kintype, that is created for coping or mental health purposes. One who links for coping reasons is called a copinglinker. Copinglink may be considered a subtype of otherlink.
Individuals may link for many different reasons, including:
- Coping with identity issues caused by a mental illness, such as borderline personality disorder, Their neurodivergence making one feel as if they aren't human in the same way as those around them, such as autistic and ADHD individuals,
- Reclaiming the lack of humanity pushed onto them by others because of their "lack of love" or similar sentiments, such as aromantics (especially loveless aromantics) and individuals with low/no empathy, Coping with trauma,
- Or any number of other reasons, as long as it is to cope.
Copinglinking is not a "lesser" or "inferior" version of 'kin, but a similar phenomenon that often shares spaces with 'kin due to having comparable needs and experiences. It could be compared to the differences between being transgender and being gender non-conforming; the two share similar experiences, and have historically often shared spaces and worked alongside each other, but are separate identities and sometimes need separate spaces alongside their shared ones.
No, it’s not a delusion.
We don’t believe to actually have the body of a nonhuman/animal, or to exist as a fictional character in that universe. We know we’re not “really” them. If I thought I was physically an animal/nonhuman, or thought that I was a fictional character still living in whatever fictional world/universe, that would probably be unhealthy. But that’s not what this is.
No, it’s not an unhealthy coping mechanism.
At least, not according to my therapist :) And honestly, I’ve never known anyone who’s been hurt by this. It’s helped me a lot. It can be a form of escapism to many, help those with identity issues, help with self loathing, and has many more benefits!
Yes, the term was created on Tumblr.
Calm down lmao it’s not that big a deal
No, it’s not a substitute for actual treatment (medication, therapy, etc.) for a mental illness.
(But I doubt that anyone thinks that.)
direct copy & paste from these sources ;
https://pluralpedia.org/w/Copinglink
https://copinglink-love.tumblr.com/def