Coping Skills
Name one healthy coping skill you can use when you're stressed.
walking, music, reading, breathing, journaling, talking to someone.
You may feel this before a job interview, an appointment, or meeting someone new.
What is anxiety/nervousness?
True or False: Changes in sleep can be a sign that someone's mental health is struggling.
True.
What organ controls thoughts, emotions, memory, and behavior?
The Brain
Getting enough sleep can affect your mental health.
FACT
What breathing technique involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding for equal counts?
Box Breathing
This emotion may occur when something feels unfair or your boundaries aren't respected.
What is anger/frustration?
Name two warning signs that your stress level is getting too high.
Irritability, difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, isolation, headaches, etc.
What chemical messenger is often associated with reward and motivation?
Dopamine.
If a coping skill doesn't work the first time, it will never work for you.
MYTH.
True or False: A coping skill has to completely get rid of the problem to be helpful.
False.
Feeling like nothing will improve or change can be described as this.
What is hopelessness?
Someone suddenly stops enjoying activities they normally love. What is this called?
Anhedonia/loss of interest.
What part of the brain is heavily involved in fear and threat detection?
Amygdala.
Exercise can have positive effects on mood and stress.
FACT.
Name two coping skills you can do without leaving the room.
Various answers
What emotion might cause someone to withdraw from others after making a mistake?
What is shame/embarrassment?
Why is recognizing your personal warning signs important?
It allows you to intervene and seek support earlier.
True or False: Chronic stress can affect memory, sleep, concentration, and physical health.
True.
Avoiding everything that makes you anxious is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety long-term.
MYTH.
What's the difference between a healthy coping skill and an unhealthy coping skill?
Healthy coping helps manage emotions without causing additional harm/problems.
Name three physical signs that someone may be experiencing anxiety.
Racing heart, sweating, shaking, nausea, muscle tension, rapid breathing, etc.
Name three changes in someone's behavior that could indicate they need additional support.
Isolation, sleep changes, appetite changes, increased substance use, neglecting hygiene, missing responsibilities, etc.
What term describes the brain's ability to change and form new connections throughout life?
Neuroplasticity.
Two people with the same diagnosis can experience very different symptoms.
FACT.