Coping Skills
What are 3 different coping skills you use to help with anxiety?
Breathing exercises, walking, music, venting to a friend etc...
What is a trigger?
A person, place, thing, or feeling that makes you want to use.
What disorder is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and low energy?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder).
What distortion is this: “I made one mistake, so I’m a total failure”?
All-or-Nothing Thinking.
What’s one sign of an unhealthy relationship?
Control, manipulation, disrespect, or lack of communication etc...
How can you tell if a coping skill is helping or harming you in the long run?
It helps you feel better without negative consequences or harm to yourself or others.
What’s one way to manage a craving when it hits?
Distract yourself, call someone, use grounding, or leave the situation.
What disorder involves re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, and hypervigilance?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What distortion is this: “Everyone at work must think I’m stupid”?
Mind Reading.
What’s one way to tell if a relationship is toxic?
You feel drained, unsafe, or lose your sense of self around the person.
What are the five senses used in the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method?
Sight, sound, touch, smell, taste.
What are the three stages of relapse?
Emotional relapse, mental relapse, physical relapse.
What kind of professional can diagnose and prescribe medication for mental illness?
Psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Reframe this thought: “I’ll never get better.”
“Recovery takes time — I’m working on it and improving slowly.”
What are two ways of showing active listening?
Making eye contact, nodding, or reflecting back what was said.
What are boundaries, and why are they a coping skill?
Limits that protect your energy and emotional health; they prevent burnout and resentment.
What does the acronym HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What disorder is marked by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking?
Schizophrenia.
A friend cancels plans and you think, “They must hate me.” What’s a healthier thought?
“They might be busy or tired — it’s not about me.”
What should you do if someone doesn’t respect your boundary?
Restate it calmly and take space or limit contact if needed.
What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation?
Mindfulness is being aware in the moment; meditation is a focused practice to train the mind.
What does “urge surfing” mean?
Riding out a craving like a wave—acknowledging it without giving in until it passes.
What is anhedonia?
The inability to feel pleasure or interest in things once enjoyed.
You feel anxious about a job interview. What’s one CBT coping skill you could use?
Challenge negative thoughts, use grounding, or positive self-talk.
What’s the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication?
Passive = not expressing needs; Aggressive = demanding or hostile; Assertive = clear and respectful.