Coping Skills
What’s the difference between a distraction and a coping skill?
A distraction takes your mind off the problem for a while, but a coping skill helps you actually handle and work through the feeling
Why might someone hide anger with laughter or jokes?
Answer: To avoid looking weak or vulnerable.
What’s one hidden sign of stress that people might not notice?
Answer: Trouble sleeping, headaches, jaw clenching, zoning out.
100: What’s the difference between coping and avoiding?
Answer: Coping is facing the feeling, avoiding is ignoring it.
What song lyric or quote helps you get through tough times?
Answer: (Varies — “Keep your head up,” “This too shall pass.”)
Why is it important to practice coping skills even when you’re calm?
Because when you’re calm, your brain remembers the skill better. If you only try when upset, it’s harder to use.
Which is harder to control – your emotions or your reactions? Why?
Answer: Reactions, because emotions happen automatically but actions are a choice.
200: How can stress be both helpful and harmful at the same time?
Answer: Helpful for motivation, harmful if it overwhelms and causes health issues.
200: Can an unhealthy coping skill ever teach you something?
Answer: Yes, it can show what doesn’t work or reveal triggers.
200: If stress was a person, what would you say to it?
Answer: “You don’t control me. I control how I react to you.”
Which coping skill could help you the most if you feel like fighting?
Answer: Walking away, deep breathing, counting, or squeezing something to release energy.
: What can your body teach you about how you’re feeling emotionally?
Racing heartbeat, sweating, stomachaches, or muscle tension can show emotions.
Why do some triggers affect you more than others?
Answer: Some are tied to deeper experiences or fears
300: Why might someone keep using an unhealthy coping skill even if they know it’s harmful?
Answer: Because it gives quick relief and habits are hard to break.
Imagine your coping skills are a toolbox – what 3 tools do you need most?
Answer: Breathing, journaling, music, talking to a friend, exercise (pick 3)
Name one unhealthy coping skill that feels good short-term but causes long-term problems.
Answer: Using substances, overeating, self-harm, or yelling.
Why do people sometimes push others away when they’re sad?
To protect themselves from rejection or from feeling like a burden.
f you don’t deal with stress, how might it affect your future health?
Answer: It can cause anxiety, high blood pressure, or depression
400: How can the same choice be healthy for one person but unhealthy for another?
Answer: Exercise can be healthy, but not if it’s extreme or obsessive.
400: If you could teach the world one coping skill, which would you choose and why?
Answer: Example: Deep breathing, because it’s simple, always available, and works anywhere.
500: Create a new coping skill on the spot and explain how it works.
Example: “Stress Toss” — write worries on paper, crumple, and throw away to release tension
Explain how two people can feel different emotions in the same situation.
Answer: People have different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives.
Share a time when you turned a stressful situation into something positive.
Answer: Example: “I was nervous about moving, but it helped me meet new people.”
500: Give an example of how one healthy choice can lead to other healthy choices.
Answer: Eating better → more energy → more activity → better mood.
500: What advice would your “future self” give you about handling stress?
Answer: “Don’t panic. Focus on what you can control, let go of the rest.”