Coping Skills
This coping skill involves slowly breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
What is... deep breathing?
If you keep trying even when something is difficult, you are showing this strength.
What is perseverance?
The first step in solving a problem is figuring out exactly what this is.
What is the problem?
“I'm stupid because I got one question wrong.” Is this a helpful or unhelpful thought?
What is an unhelpful thought?
This means being able to name what emotion you are experiencing.
What is identifying/naming your feelings?
When you are feeling overwhelmed, taking a few minutes away from the situation can help you do this.
What is... taking a break?
Helping someone who is having a difficult day shows this strength.
What is kindness/compassion?
When you think of several possible ways to handle a problem, you are doing this.
What is brainstorming?
Changing “I can't do this” to “This is hard, but I can try” is called this.
What is reframing an unhelpful thought?
Butterflies in your stomach, sweaty hands, and a fast heartbeat can be signs that your body is feeling this emotion.
What is anxiety/nervousness?
Talking to a trusted adult when you're worried or upset is an example of this healthy coping skill.
What is... asking for support/help?
Being willing to try something new even when you're nervous is an example of this strength.
What is courage/bravery?
Before choosing a solution, you should think about what might happen as a result of your choice.
What are the consequences?
“Nobody likes me because one person didn't invite me.” What thinking trap might this be?
What is jumping to conclusions/overgeneralizing?
If someone says something hurtful and you feel angry, this event may be called your emotional ______.
What is a trigger?
Name two things you could do to calm your body when you're angry.
What are deep breathing, taking a break, stretching, walking, counting, or another healthy calming strategy?
You made a mistake but decided to learn from it instead of giving up. What strength are you showing?
What is resilience?
Someone keeps interrupting you while you're talking. Name one respectful way you could solve the problem.
What is calmly asking them to let you finish, talking to them privately, or asking an adult for help?
Your thought is “I'm going to mess up my presentation.” Name one question you could ask yourself to challenge that thought.
What is “What evidence do I have?” or “Is there another way to look at this?"
Instead of yelling when you're angry, you tell someone, “I'm really upset and need some space.” What healthy skill are you using?
What is expressing your feelings appropriately?
You have a big test tomorrow and feel nervous. Name three healthy coping strategies you could use.
What are practicing/preparing, deep breathing, positive self-talk, taking breaks, exercising, or talking to someone?
Name three personal strengths you could use when facing a difficult situation.
Answers may include courage, patience, creativity, kindness, honesty, perseverance, flexibility, or self-control.
Your friend is upset with you, but you aren't sure why. What are three steps you could take to solve the problem?
What are asking what happened, listening to their perspective, and working together on a solution?
You think, “Everyone is going to laugh at me if I make a mistake.” Give a more balanced though
What is “I might make a mistake, but that doesn't mean everyone will laugh at me. I can do my best and recover if something goes wrong.”
Why can it be helpful to talk about a difficult feeling instead of keeping it bottled up?
What is it can help you understand the feeling, process it, get support, and find ways to cope?