Healthy Coping Skills
Name one healthy way to deal with stress after a hard day.
Examples: exercise, drawing, writing, coloring, listening to music, talking to a friend, deep breathing.
True or False – If someone often feels hopeless, sad, or says “what’s the point,” it might be a warning sign.
True - these can be signs that someone may need extra help/support
True or False – Asking someone if they’re okay can show you care.
True
Name one trusted adult in your school you can go to for help.
School social workers (Ms. Ebone & Mrs. Acira)
A teacher
Principal (Ms. Williams) or
Nurse (Nurse Colleen)
True or False – Everyone feels alone sometimes, but connection helps.
True
True or False – Keeping all your feelings inside is the best way to deal with them.
False – Talking and/or writing about feelings helps.
If a friend suddenly gives away their favorite things or stops caring about school, what should you do?
Tell the friend you are concerned about them and tell a trusted adult right away.
If a friend says “I don’t want to live,” what should you do first?
Tell a trusted adult right away
What is the 3-digit number you can call or text anywhere in the U.S. if you or a friend feels unsafe?
988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What does “Stronger Together” mean?
We are healthier and safer when we support each other.
What’s a coping skill you can use during class if you feel overwhelmed?
Take slow breaths, ask to take a break or get a drink of water, or write feelings in a journal.
One warning sign is when someone talks about wanting to disappear or not be here anymore. Who should you go to if you hear this? Be specific
A trusted adult – like a parent, school social worker, or teacher.
What’s better: ignoring a friend’s struggles or listening and letting them know you care?
Listening and showing that you care
In NJ, who in school is trained to help with bullying and safety concerns?
Anti-Bullying Specialist (Mrs. Barto)
Dean of Culture (Dean Hadi)
School Social Workers (Ms. Ebone' & Mrs. Acira)
Name one way to show kindness that helps others feel they belong.
Invite them to sit with you, give compliments, include them in games/activities.
If you feel nervous before a big test, what’s a quick coping strategy you could use?
Positive self-talk (“I studied, I can do this”) or deep breathing to help calm your mind and body.
Name one physical or behavior change that could be a warning sign.
Big changes in sleep, eating, grades, or not wanting to hang out with friends anymore.
Name one thing NOT to say to a struggling friend.
“Just get over it,” “Stop being dramatic,” “It’s not a big deal.”
-Basically anything that brushes their feelings off and disregards it.
True or False – You should only reach out to 988 if it’s an “emergency.”
False – You can reach out anytime you feel really sad, overwhelmed or unsafe.
Why is it important to include others and not leave people out?
Because belonging helps people feel safe, supported, and valued
Name two activities that release “happy chemicals” (endorphins) in your brain.
Exercise and laughter
Why is it important not to keep it a secret if someone talks about hurting themselves?
Because keeping it a secret could put them in danger – telling an adult can save a life.
What’s the best way to support a friend until they can talk to an adult?
Stay with them, listen, and go with them to a trusted adult.
Besides adults at school, name two other trusted adults you can go to.
Parent, grandparent, coach, faith leader, family friend etc.
What’s one reason it’s important to talk about mental health?
It helps break stigma, shows others they aren’t alone, and encourages people to get help.