Healthy Coping Skills
Name one coping skill that you've used before.
Answers vary.
Name one negative coping skill you've used in the past that you're working to change.
A peer says something mean to you, what can you do?
ignore them, ask to talk to another friend or family, or use an effective coping skills for you
Explain guided imagery.
Visualize a "happy place." Describe in detail what it looks like, what is around you, what you hear, etc.
All stress is out of your control.
False
Name a coping skill that you can use to express your feelings.
arts/crafts, coloring/drawing, journaling, talking to a safe person, music
Name a common unhealthy coping strategy.
smoking, substances, overeating, purging, avoidance, self-harm
You want to talk a break from talking to people because you are frustrated. What should you do?
politely ask to take a break and use a coping skill while taking this break
A friend made a comment yesterday that upset you. You ignored it, but its still bothering you. What could you say to your friend.
Answers vary.
Taking time for yourself each day is essential to coping with life's experiences.
True
How can knowing your triggers help you?
If you know your triggers you can avoid situations that might trigger you or be ready to use coping skills.
The act of avoiding and distancing yourself from others.
Isolating
You have been assigned a project in your Social Studies class. It seems like a lot of work and you are feeling overwhelmed. What can you do?
Some things that might help...
1. Make a plan...break down the project into smaller steps and assign yourself mini due dates
2. Talk to a trusted adult or friend about how you're feeling
3. Remind yourself that you are capable! Think of another time when you felt stressed and were able to accomplish your goal
4. Do something fun to get your mind off of it...but remember to get back to it!
Demonstrate how to tense up your whole body and then slowly release. Describe how it feels.
It's easier to feel relaxed after tensing your muscles.
No thought or feeling is wrong, it’s our actions based on that thought/feeling that may be positive or negative.
True
Why is it important to have multiple options for positive coping skills?
Not every coping skill will be available at all times, so having multiple options increases the likelihood you will be able to cope in some way, regardless of the situation or your location.
Give an example of a positive coping skill that could become negative if taken to the extreme.
sleep, exercise, isolate
You are playing a game and are losing. You are starting to get upset. What should you do?
Take a breath
Act out two different types of coping strategies. Let us try and guess them.
Answers vary.
All coping skills are healthy and helpful.
false; There are healthy (positive) and unhealthy (negative) coping skills
How can you use relationships in your life to help you cope?
Friends and/or loved ones can be people to call when feeling triggered or wanting to avoid acting on emotions, or they can be great distractions if you just need to get out of your head.
Name some emotions that you might be tempted to use negative coping skills.
Anger, frustration, shame, depressed, helplessness, hopelessness, insecurity, anxiety, fear
Your brother or sister keeps going into your room without permission.
Answers vary.
Practice an "I" statement.
I feel _____ when ______.
Answers vary.
Unhealthy coping skills tend to feel good in the moment but have long term negative consequences while healthy coping skills may not provide instant gratification/pleasure, but lead to long lasting positive outcomes.
True