Coping Skills
What is a coping skill?
An effective way to deal with uncomfortable emotions or situations
Name 3 healthy coping skills
Read a book, writing/drawing/painting, listening to music, spending time with friends/family, going for a walk, deep breathing, meditation, talking to someone you trust, journaling
All coping skills are healthy
False
There are some unhealthy coping skills that we sometimes end up using
What are some coping skills you can use at home?
Exercise, running, playing outside, playing a game, listening to music, writing in a journal, splashing your face with cold water
Tony felt embarrassed at school when his classmates made fun of him for messing up his words when it was his time to read. Tone accepted that he was feeling embarrassed, asked his teacher to help him and listed to music after school to feel better.
What healthy coping skills did Tony use?
-Naming his emotion
-Asked for help
-Listened to music
Define "healthy coping skills"
Coping skills that are not harmful to you or others
Name 3 unhealthy coping skills
Fighting, avoiding help, yelling at others, harming others or yourself, using alcohol or drugs
Coping skills help you get through hard days
True
Coping skills help you feel calmer, happier, and stronger
What are some coping skills you can use at school?
Deep breathing, drinking water, asking for a break, counting to 10
Michael felt embarrassed after he tripped and fell in the hallway. He and his friend got into a fight because his friend said it was his fault for walking fast.
What unhealthy coping skills did Michael use?
Michael chose to fight his friend when he felt embarrassed
Define "unhealthy coping skills"
Coping skills that are harmful to you or others, and/or keep you from effectively addressing your needs.
Name 2 physical coping skills
Squeeze something, using a fidget, walking, exercising, dancing, playing a sport
People all use the same coping skill
False
Everyone has different coping skills that are helpful to them. What one student finds helpful may not be helpful to another.
What coping skills can you use if you are feeling unfocused in class?
Deep breathing, going for a walk, asking for a break
Brittney is tired and confused about the assignment her teacher is asking her to complete. She decides to draw in her notebook. Her teacher asks her to stop drawing and work on the assignment with the rest of the class. Brittney says "I don't want to" and puts her head down for the rest of the class.
What unhealthy coping skills did Brittney use?
-Work avoidance
-non-compliance/refusing
Healthy coping skills help us:
a) deal with stressors in our lives
b) work through our emotions and problems
c) process our thoughts and emotions
d) all the above
e) just a and b
d) all the above
Name 2 Distraction skills
Crying is an unhealthy coping skill
False
Crying can be a healthy way to deal with strong feelings
What would be a healthy coping skill to use with a sibling that made you mad?
Talking it out, asking for space, talking to a trusted adult, taking deep breaths, going for a walk around the house
Aliyah was feeling nervous because she heard rumors that her good friend did not like her anymore. She decided to write about her feelings in a journal.
What type of coping skill is this?
Journal writing is a healthy coping skill
What is one new coping skill you learned this year in group?
Name your skill!
Name 1 Processing Skill
Write in a journal, write poetry, draw, write what's bothering you and throw it away, talk to someone you trust
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
False
Coping skills help us work through problems in a healthy way
If a friend keeps bothering you at school, what are some coping skills you can use?
Talk to an adult, take a deep breath, ask for space or a break
Brandon was feeling angry at school today and felt like everyone was giving him dirty looks. His friend sat down next to him and bumped his elbow. Brandon yelled "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?!" and pushed his friends book off the desk.
What was the unhealthy coping skill that Brandon used?
-Physical aggression
-Projection