Coping Skills
What is one coping skill you can use to manage stress quickly in the moment?
Deep breathing, stretching, walking, or listening to music.
What does “I” statement mean? Give an example.
An 'I' statement expresses your feelings: 'I feel upset when...'
What does CBT stand for?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
True or False: Mental health is just as important as physical health.
True – mental health is as important as physical health.
What’s one song that always makes you feel better?
Examples: Here Comes the Sun, Send Me On My Way, Sweet Caroline, All Star, Hey Ya!
Name a healthy coping skill that does not involve food or substances
Exercise, journaling, talking to a friend, or mindfulness.
True or False: Active listening means waiting for your turn to speak.
False – active listening means reflecting and understanding.
In CBT, what is the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?
Thoughts influence feelings, which influence behaviors.
What is the most common mental health condition in the U.S.?
Anxiety Disorders (Over 40 Million Adults diagnosed annually)
What is your favorite day of the week, and why?
Open Ended
True or False: Avoidance is a long-term effective coping strategy.
False – avoidance is not effective long-term
Name one difference between assertive and aggressive communication.
Assertive is respectful and clear; aggressive is hostile.
What’s an example of a cognitive distortion?
Examples: all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, mind reading.
What is the most common cause of hospitalization for people under the age of 18 (excluding hospitalization related to pregnancy and birth)?
Depression
True or False: Laughter can reduce stress hormones.
True – laughter reduces stress hormones.
What is grounding, and when might you use it?
Grounding brings focus to the present; use during stress or panic
What is reflective listening, and why is it useful?
Reflective listening = restating what was said; builds trust.
True or False: CBT focuses only on the past.
False – CBT focuses on the present and future.
What percentage of adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives?
About 1 in 5 adults (20%).
Which animal is often associated with calm and relaxation?
Examples: cats, dogs, dolphins, sloths (any calm animal).
Name three coping skills that use your five senses.
Examples: smelling essential oils, listening to music, holding ice, tasting gum, looking at nature photos.
In conflict resolution, what does it mean to “separate the person from the problem”?
Focus on the issue, not the person.
Name one strategy used in CBT to challenge negative thoughts.
Challenging thoughts, reframing, thought records.
Name one benefit of seeking therapy.
Therapy improves coping, relationships, stress, and self-awareness.
What’s the funniest or silliest coping skill you can imagine?
Open Ended