Name That Feeling
You planned to hang out with friends, but everyone cancels and now you’re sitting at home alone.
What is disappointed or lonely?
Your brain thinks a bad outcome is way more likely than it actually is.
What is catastrophizing?
“Nothing good will ever happen again.”
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
Slowing your breathing to calm your nervous system.
What is deep breathing?
Feeling nervous before a big test.
What is performance anxiety?
Touching something cold, like holding ice, can help calm intense emotions.
What is a temperature change skill?
You snap at a peer after they joke about something that actually hurt your feelings.
What is hurt or sadness?
You keep thinking about something awkward you said three days ago.
What is embarrassed or self-conscious?
Your body goes into “alarm mode” even when you’re not actually in danger.
What is the fight-or-flight response?
“Everyone else has their life together except me.”
What is comparison thinking?
Doing something small even when motivation is low.
What is behavioral activation?
Feeling like everyone is judging you when you walk into a room.
What is social anxiety?
Your brain is convinced everyone noticed that awkward moment… but most people are too busy worrying about ______.
What is themselves?
You roll your eyes at rules, but feel tense and on edge inside.
What is frustration or anxiety?
You feel tired, unmotivated, and everything feels like too much effort.
What is low mood or depressed?
Your brain keeps replaying worries over and over like a broken record.
What is rumination or overthinking?
“I failed one thing so I must be a total failure.”
What is overgeneralization?
Focusing on your senses to bring attention back to the present moment.
What is mindfulness or grounding?
Feeling overwhelmed by school, expectations, and responsibilities.
What is stress or overwhelm?
Taking a short walk, stretching, or moving your body can help shift your mood.
What is movement or exercise?
You avoid a group activity even though you want to go.
What is fear or low mood?
Your mind keeps jumping to worst-case scenarios before something important.
What is anxious?
Avoiding something scary might help in the short term but can make anxiety ______ over time.
What is worse?
“My friends didn’t text back, they must hate me.”
What is mind reading or assuming?
Talking to someone you trust when things feel overwhelming.
What is seeking support?
Feeling like you don’t have the energy to do things you used to enjoy.
What is depression or low motivation?
This coping strategy involves doing something fun or relaxing on purpose, even when your brain says “nah.”
What is self-care or pleasant activity scheduling?
You get defensive when someone gives feedback about a report you turned in.
What is insecurity or fear of criticism?
You want to do something fun but your brain says “what’s the point.”
What is hopelessness or demotivation?
Anxiety is your brain’s attempt to do this for you.
What is protect you?
The skill of questioning whether your thoughts are actually accurate.
What is checking the facts or challenging thoughts or reality testing?
Doing the opposite of what depression urges you to do (like getting out of bed or leaving the house).
What is opposite action?
Feeling mentally exhausted from constant pressure or emotional stress.
What is burnout?
The ultimate teen coping skill: texting a friend, watching a comfort show, and reminding yourself tomorrow is a new day.
What is taking a break and resetting?
You worry that no one at school or in the program cares about you, even though people have shown support.
What is fear of rejection or loneliness?