Coping Skills
This object is a squishy sphere that you could use when anxious or fidgety.
A stress ball.
Myth or Fact: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Myth! Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: -Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry -Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse -Family history of mental health problems.
What is a characterized by an all-encompassing low mood and loss of interest in activities?
Depression
Options: Reading, drawing, soccer, listening to music or watching TV while doing a craft, origami.
Name five emotions
This skill requires a phone, speaker, or concert.
Listening to music.
Myth or Fact: Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both.
Fact!
What is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about what might happen that can make it hard to go about daily life?
Anxiety
Who is one safe person you can call if you are feeling unsafe?
Mom or dad
What is the difference between a feeling and a behavior?
A feeling is an emotion (like anger or sadness), while a behavior is how we act in response (like yelling or crying).
Walking, swimming, jogging, lifting weights, using a treadmill, and playing sports are examples of this coping skill.
Exercise.
Myth or Fact: Mental health problems cannot get better with time.
Myth! Some disorders can become less troublesome as we get older and some we can work through with help!
Some kids with this disorder find it challenging to focus in school, remember responsibilities like homework and chores, and sit still for long periods of time.
What is the national, 24/7 crisis line you can call if you are feeling unsafe?
988
True or False: It's possible to feel more than one emotion at the same time.
True – for example, you can feel happy and nervous at the same time.
This skill doesn't require talking. A pencil and paper are all you need to write down your thoughts.
Journaling.
Myth or Fact: People with mental health diagnoses report less success at staying in school or having a job.
Myth: People with mental health conditions can be just as productive as other students/employees, and even be higher achievers than others. Teachers and employers often do not know if someone has a mental health condition, and many people become extremely good at managing/hiding their mental health issues.
This is a lifelong difference in brain development that changes how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world.
Autism spectrum disorder.
If you or someone you know is at immediate danger of hurting themselves, what should you do?
Call 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.
Explain the difference between anger and sadness, and how they can be connected.
Anger is often a reaction to being hurt, while sadness is feeling emotional pain. Anger can sometimes cover up sadness.
This skill can take practice, but can involve quieting your mind, sitting still, and creating a sense of calm. Can be guided or self-taught.
Meditation.
Myth or Fact: People with mental illness are more dangerous than the general population.
Myth! Those with mental illness are no more dangerous than those in the general population. In fact, those suffering from severe mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators of violence.
What is it called when we experience very stressful, frightening or distressing events that are difficult to cope with or out of our control. It could be one incident, or an ongoing event that happens over a long period of time.
Trauma
What are the best coping skills to use when you are feeling unsafe?
Coping skills that engage your mind and help to take it off of the hard thoughts.
How are emotions, thoughts, and behaviors connected?
A situation happens, and our thoughts about it create feelings. This leads to behaviors that influence the situation positively or negatively.