Coping Skills
What is a coping skill?
Coping skills are methods people use to manage stressful situations.
Why is it important to set goals?
1. To have something to work towards
2. To track your progress/growth
What does it mean to have good or bad self esteem?
People with healthy self-esteem like themselves and value their achievements.
People with low self-esteem feel unhappy or unsatisfied with themselves most of the time.
What is anxiety?
Intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about situations.
What are ADL's?
Activities of Daily Living
What are the 2 main types of coping skills?
Healthy and unhealthy
What is one of your short term goals here at TREEhouse or within the next 6 months?
Example: "I want to create a daily routine before I leave TREEhouse"
Name 3 things you like about yourself.
Examples:
"I'm kind"
"I'm funny"
"I have a good heart"
"I'm a good friend"
"I am strong"
TRUE/FALSE: Anxiety is a normal response to stress.
True! Many people get anxious.
BUT, too much anxiety can be harmful.
How can you improve your sleep schedule?
Examples:
Get ready for bed early, stay off your phone if possible, unwind with your preferred method, prepare for the next day
What is one coping skill you practice?
Examples: deep breathing, listening to music, watching a movie, journaling, reading, venting, sleeping...
What is one of your long term goals that you want to accomplish in the next year-5 years?
Example: "I want to go back to school in 2026"
Name something others like about you.
Examples:
"My friends say I'm smart"
"I've been told I have good energy"
"People like my cooking"
What is one thought you have that is harmful?
Examples:
1. "I'm not good enough"
2. "I have no one"
What's one thing you've learned about your roommate?
Answers may vary :)
What coping skill would you like to develop or strengthen?
Examples: Journaling, reading, exercise
SCENARIO: Julia works full time and is a mom. She relies on fast food for her meals because it's quick and easy. She wants to learn how to cook but doesn't know where to start.
1. What goal can Julie set to improve her cooking skills?
Examples:
1. Practice cooking with a cookbook, video, show
2. Research meals
3. Set a schedule
What is one way you practice having good self esteem?
Examples: I practice affirmations, I'm kind to myself, I forgive myself, I use mistakes as learning opportunities
What is one way anxiety presents itself?
Examples:
Pacing, not being able to sleep, fidgeting, overthinking or over worrying, avoidance, increased heart rate
What is one life skill you would like to develop or improve?
Examples:
budgeting money, expressing emotions, managing my medication, practicing self care, improving my cooking, improving my cleaning or hygeine
SCENARIO: Adam is driving to school and suddenly gets cut off by another driver on the road. Adam's immediately becomes angry, speeds around the driver, yelling at him.
Can you identify which UNHEALTHY coping skill Adam used, and replace it with a HEALTHY coping skill?
What could Adam do instead?
Unhealthy: anger, yelling -> could become unsafe
Healthy skills could include: deep breathing, turning music on, counting to 10, and more
How will you know when you have made progress towards a goal? What does that look like for you?
Examples:
1. Consistency
2. Improvements made
SCENARIO: Paul is recently single after going through a breakup. He can't help but feel sad, lonely, and unloved.
1. How can Paul improve his self esteem?
Examples:
1. Be kind to yourself
2. Avoid "should've" statements
3. Consider what you've learned
4. Don't compare yourself to others
How do you ensure good sleep if you're feeling anxious?
Examples:
Use your coping skills!
Find a method to unwind
Who or what is a safe place for you?
Examples:
Mom, friends, THS staff, therapist, dog, children, the beach, the park