BRAIN
This organ controls thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
What is the brain?
This common emotion can show up as worry, nervousness, or fear.
What is anxiety?
This part of the body speeds up your heart rate during stress.
What is the nervous system?
Talking to a trusted friend or adult is an example of this type of coping.
What is seeking support?
In CBT, this refers to what you say to yourself in your mind.
What are thoughts?
This brain structure helps process fear and triggers the stress response.
What is the amygdala?
This is the body’s automatic reaction to danger, often called “fight, flight, or freeze.”
What is the stress response?
Taking slow, deep breaths helps calm this system in your body.
What is the nervous system?
Getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising are examples of this type of self-care.
What is physical self-care?
In CBT, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all ______.
What is connected?
This part of the brain helps with decision-making and controlling impulses.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This stress hormone is released during the fight-or-flight response.
What is cortisol?
When stress becomes overwhelming and lasts a long time, it is called this.
What is chronic stress?
Writing in a journal or talking about feelings are examples of this coping strategy.
What is emotional expression?
Replacing a negative thought like “I always fail” with a more balanced one is called this in CBT.
What is cognitive restructuring (or reframing)?
This happens when the amygdala reacts faster than the thinking part of the brain, leading to strong emotional responses.
What is an emotional hijacking?
This is the name for automatic, often negative thoughts that pop into your mind.
What are automatic thoughts?
This technique involves focusing on the present moment without judgment.
What is mindfulness?
A healthy coping strategy teens can use instead of avoidance is gradually facing fears, known as this.
What is exposure (or gradual exposure)?
In CBT, avoiding situations because of fear can actually make anxiety do this over time.
What is increase (or get worse)?
This system connects the brain and body and controls the stress response, including heart rate and breathing.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
This happens when someone assumes the worst possible outcome without evidence.
What is catastrophizing?
This skill involves noticing a negative thought and questioning whether it is accurate or helpful.
What is cognitive restructuring (or challenging thoughts)?
Name one healthy coping strategy that helps regulate emotions during stress. (Multiple answers accepted)
What is deep breathing / exercise / talking to someone / journaling / mindfulness?
In CBT, the triangle model includes thoughts, feelings, and this third component.
What are behaviors?