Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Skills
Name two healthy coping skills
Journaling, listening to music, taking a walk, video games, meditation, talking to someone, writing, drawing, listening to music, etc.
What’s something you can say if you and a friend disagree?
"Let’s take turns sharing what we think."
What are some common stressors in middle school?
Test, presentations, fitting in, etc.
What should you do if you feel uncomfortable with peer pressure?
Say no, walk away, or talk to a trusted adult.
Why is it important to make your own choices?
So you can be yourself and make decisions that are right for you.
Name two unhealthy coping skills
Throwing things, yelling at others, cussing at others, harming yourself or others, not eating enough or eating too much, substance abuse/use, damaging property etc.
What can you do if a friend hurts your feelings?
Tell them how you feel in a calm way, like, "That upset me."
What are some mindful exercises or breathing techniques to calm anxiety?
A.) Box breathing exercises
B.) Belly breathing exercises
C.) Panicking more
D.) Both A and B
Both A.) and B.)
Your friends all wear the same kind of shoes, but you like a different pair. Should you follow them?
No, you should make your own choice.
What does it mean to "respect your friend’s boundaries"?
It means listening when they say no or need space.
How do unhealthy coping skills affect us?
They can hurt us, can hurt others, can cause more problems, etc.
How can you stop an argument from getting worse?
Take a deep breath, stay calm, and listen to the other person.
True or False:
All coping skills are healthy coping skills.
False
Some coping skills can be harmful (eating too much sweets, having too much screen time, substance use, etc.)
A classmate dares you to say something mean. What should you do?
Say no and choose kindness.
How can you show a friend that you care about their feelings?
Listen to them when they’re upset and ask how you can help.
How do coping skills help us?
Coping skills help us with working through and processing our emotions and stress.
What can you do if you feel left out by your friends?
Let them know how you feel and ask if you can join in.
Which of the following are under the calming or self-soothing category of coping skills?
A.) Exercise
B.) Jumping jacks
C.) Deep breathing
C.) Deep breathing
What do the three C's rule stand for?
A.) Coke, Cool, Coffee
B.) Calm, Cool, Clear
C.) Cool, Confident, Clear
C.) Cool, Confident, Clear
Stay cool - Don't get angry or embarrassed
Sound confident - Use a strong voice
Be clear - Say no directly, don't leave it open-ended
What are "I statements"?
A way of communicating your feelings, needs, and perspectives in a way that avoids blaming or accusing the other person.
True or False:
You only need one coping skill.
False
How can you make up with a friend after an argument?
Say, "I’m sorry," and talk about how to fix the problem.
What is a stressor?
Anything that causes someone to be in a state of tension, people, places and things.
Name two or more techniques you can use to avoid peer pressure?
Just say no, give a reason, walk away, change the subject, or stick with friends who support your choices.
What game did we play when we first started groups?
A.) Two Truths and a Lie
B.) The Name Game
C.) Introducing Each Other to the Group
A.) Two Truths and a Lie