Coping Skills
Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do
FALSE - coping skills are learned throughout our lives
Name 3 coping skills you can do at home
Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, yoga), go for a walk, take a bath, journal...
Define "healthy coping skill"
healthy coping mechanisms focus on understandingf and addressing the root causes of stress, challenges and difficult emotions
Name a potential con of using "distraction" as a coping skill
can't do it for too long. doesn't resolve any underlying issues. Meds can make it hard to concentrate.
Name 2 mindfulness techniques
deep breathing, meditation, yoga, body scan, mindful walking
What are 3 examples of unhealthy coping skills?
Drug/alcohol use, overeating, procrastination, sleeping too much/too little, social withdrawal, self-harm, aggression
Situations, people, thoughts, activities, or things that evoke strong emotional or psychological responses often leading to heightened tress, anxiety, or other symptoms.
TRIGGERS
Name a potential pro of using "distraction" as a coping skill
gives your heart & mind a break, great for short term relief, great to get through a crisis.
Name 2 problem-solving strategies
brainstorming, making a plan, identifying alternatives, seek support, take action
What are 3 examples of healthy coping skills?
exercise, talking about your problems, healthy eating, seeking professional help, relaxation techniques, social support, problem-solving techniques
Symptoms-such as thoughts, feelings, and behaviors- that indicate your mental health might be at risk.
WARNING SIGNS
Talk about the pros and cons of using grounding techniques
Pros: helps slow or stop "dissociation," reduces physicality of anxiety.
Cons: sometimes it's better to stay a bit dissociated (that's how your mind protects you).
affirmations, gratitude journaling, self-compassion exercises, positive visualization, encouraging statements
Give an example of a healthy emotion-focused coping skill
self-care, hobbies, exercise, focus on a task, mindfulness, relaxation strategies
___ ______ is a technique used to challenge negative thoughts and cognitive distortions
Thought challenging
Talk about the pros and cons of using "emotional release" as a coping skill
Pros: great for anger and fear, releases the pressure of overwhelming emotion.
Cons: hard to do in every situation. feels odd, others may think you're acting strange.
Name 3 barriers that people might face when trying to use coping skills
Emotional competence, negative beliefs about help-seeking, stigma, hopelessness, unhealthy coping mechanisms, lack of mental health literacy
Give an example of a healthy problem-focused coping skill
asking for support, create a to-do list, engage in problem-solving, establish healthy boundaries, time management, walk away from a situation that is causing you stress
this type of coping is helpful when you need to change your situation, perhaps by removing a stressful thing from your life (ex. unhealthy friendship).
PROBLEM-BASED COPING
What are some potential negative consequences of unhealthy coping skills?
Increased distress, health problems, impacts on relationships