Healthy and unhealthy coping skills
Name two healthy coping skills
journaling, listening to music, taking a walk, video games, meditation, talking to someone, writing, drawing, listening to music, etc.
What is one benefit of using healthy coping skills?
helps you feel more relaxed, having a clear mind, creating healthy relationships, positive decision making, being in control etc.
True or False:
Coping skills are only needed when you are struggling with negative emotions.
false
They help you live a happy and healthy life everyday
These are coping skills you can use while you are in your room.
deep breathing, talking on the phone (to a friend/ family member), journal, drawing, sleeping, or taking a nap/ resting.
Anything else you can think of?
what is a stressor?
anything that causes someone to be in a state of tension (or stress/ excessive worry). This could include some people, places (environments) and things.
It could also be certain noises or lights for some people.
Can you think of anything else that is a stressor? Or something that stresses you out?
Name three unhealthy coping skills
throwing things, yelling at others, cussing at others, harming yourself or others, not eating enough or eating too much, substance abuse/use, damaging property etc.
When does a healthy coping skill become unhealthy?
When it is done excessively and in an unhealthy way.
True or False:
All coping skills are healthy coping skills.
False
some coping skills can be harmful (eating too much sweets, having too much screen time, substance use, etc.)
How do coping skills help us?
Coping skills help us with working through and processing our emotions and stress.
Distraction is a category of coping skills.
Name an example of a coping skill that can distract you
walk away, reading a book, taking a walk
These help us in the short term to feel better.
Can you think of anything else?
How do unhealthy coping skills affect us?
they can hurt us, can hurt others, can cause more problems, etc.
When I feel worried I can
a.) draw my worry
b.) yell at someone nearby
c.) journal
d.) (a) and (c)
D. a and c
What else could you do when your feeling worried? Can you think of anything else that isn't listed?
True or False:
What helps one person cope with stress may not necessarily help me.
True
Everyone has different coping skills and strategies that work for them.
What are some possible consequences of using unhealthy coping skills?
illnesses, hurting self or others, loss of relationships, jails, institutions etc.
What should you do if you feel yourself becoming triggered?
exercise, walks, biking, and going to the gym
Practice a healthy coping skill!
Or even sit still, close your eyes and breathe!
Do what helps you
Some ways to cope with anger are
a.) walk away
b.) take a deep breath
c.) talk about it
d.) all of the above
d.) all the above
Why are coping skills important to our well- being?
What does create a sense of calmness, builds confidence, attains inner peace (helps you feel calm inside), and help us reduce stress.
True or False:
Coping skills are used to avoid our problems
False
Coping skills are used to address current emotions and can benefit in addressing the problems.
(Avoiding your problems is not helpful)
Give an example of a time you used a coping skill to aide with managing your emotions
Example:
When feeling overstimulated, I took a break and walked outside of the noisy room where class was going on.
I went to a quieter space to take some deep breaths and do some stretching for a few minutes.
I returned to class feeling more calm.
When have you used healthy coping skills recently?
Which of the following are under the calming or self-soothing category of coping skills?
a.) exercise
b.) jumping jacks
c.)deep breathing
d.) ignoring/moving on
c.) deep breathing
What are some of the coping skills you are currently using?
walking away from a stressful situation, talking to my supports (staff, friends, family), taking time-out, exercising, breathing techniques etc.
What is a mindfulness practice that can help you calm your body and mind?
Mindfulness is anything that helps you calm down and be in the current moment.
What is
deep breathing (4 square breathing),
meditation, grounding exercise, (name 5 things that are specific color around the room/ environment you are in)
Yoga
Anything else you can think of?
True or False:
Coping skills are not important to your well-being.
false
Describe the differences between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping
Problem-focused coping addresses the problem causing the stress directly, such as seeking solutions or making changes to reduce the stressor. Emotion-focused coping manages the emotional response to the stressor, such as through relaxation techniques or seeking social support.
Problem-focused coping may be more effective when the stressor is controllable, while emotion-focused coping may be more appropriate when the stressor is beyond one’s control.
Practice/Describe to me 3 coping skills.
examples: deep breathing, drawing, exercise, taking a walk, talking to someone you trust