Coping Skill Basics
What kind of coping skill is playing a game or watching a movie?
Distraction
Which of the coping skills below are unhealthy:
Getting fresh air
Talking to a trusted friend/adult
Destroying property
Exercising
Playing a game
Yelling at someone
Using drugs
Destroying property
Yelling at someone using drugs
T or F: Every coping skill is healthy.
False
Some ways we learn to cope are not healthy (e.g., like fighting or using substances or avoidance)
If you are being called names, what coping skills can you do/use?
Give an example of a distraction coping skill
Playing a game, going for a walk, reading, watching a movie, etc.
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, Go for a Walk, Deep Breathing, Meditation, talking to someone you trust, Journaling
T or F: you only need one coping skill
False. The more the merrier
Name three coping skills you can do at home.
Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, yoga), go for a walk, take a bath, journal...
Give an example of a coping skill you can do alone, without any materials, and without talking
Deep breathing
Positive affirmations
5-4-3-2-1 method
Muscle relaxation
Mental imagery
Why are coping skills important to our well being?
create a sense of calmness
builds confidence
inner peace
help us reduce stress
Define "healthy coping skills".
Safe, constructive ways of managing stress and emotions that improve wellbeing instead of causing harm.
T or F: the same coping skill will work for everyone
False.
When should you practice coping skills?
All the time! Practice will help create patterns, if coping skills are not practiced, they are unlikely to help when you are experiencing strong thoughts or emotions
Give an example of a grounding/ mindfulness coping skill.
Meditation, breathing, yoga, music, 5 senses exercise etc
When does a healthy coping skill become unhealthy?
when it is used in excess, becomes a compulsion rather than a choice, or causes harm to physical/mental health and relationships. It shifts from providing long-term resolution to only offering temporary, short-term relief, often worsening the original problem.
What is the goal when using coping skills?
What’s the point?
To manage, reduce, or tolerate stress and emotions
Maintain mental and emotional wellbeing
T or F:
Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do
False
Coping skills are learned throughout our lives
What are some of the physical signs that you notice when you're beginning to feel stressed or anxious?
Faster heart rate, tight chest, shallow breathing, muscle tension, trembling, flushed face.
Give an example of a coping skill that involves self expression
Journaling
Art
Making music
Define "unhealthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are unhealthy or harmful to you or others, and/or keep you from effectively addressing your needs
Why is mindfulness important?
It helps us feel our emotions, stay grounded in the present, and helps us cope with our situation.
T or F: Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
False
Coping skills help us work through problems in a healthy way.
You get into a fight with your sister, but instead of yelling and throwing something because you are upset, you walk away. What type of coping skill is this?
Opposite Action Coping Skill and/or Anger Management
Give an example of an opposite action coping skill
Walking away instead of fighting, standing up straight when you feel nervous, getting out of bed when you are depressed or tired etc.