Coping Skills
Name a thinking coping skills
remembering positive statements from loved ones, thinking about accomplishments, thinking about positive qualities of yourself, encouraging phrases
Is stress all bad or can you have a health amount of stress?
People that are experiencing mental health/ substance abuse problems cannot have positive experiences or live healthy lives. Why?
MYTH! Mental illness does not determine the outcome of our lives, although we may have to adjust our lifestyle to accommodate for it such as taking medications, we can still lead positive lives. Mental illness does not define us, although it is apart of our identity.
What is a healthy boundary you can make?
personal space, inappropriate names/cursing, saying "no," letting someone know what you uncomfortable with, not associating with others that use drugs
If someone does something that makes you angry or you have an explosive outburst, that was a __________ to your anger.
What is a trigger?
going for a walk, meditating, exercising, working out, yard work, running, dancing, swimming
Name one way that you can reduce your stress while at Riverwoods
Drug abuse cannot lead to mental health issues. Why?
MYTH. By utilizing substances, increased exposure/ use can lead to hallucinations, depression, irritability, feeling worthless, out-of-touch with reality, and can impact the quality of our relationships with others.
People know your boundaries without you saying them. True or False?
False. People do not know your boundaries unless you voice them. There is no way for people to know what you're uncomfortable with unless you tell them.
What are some ways that you notice that you're feeling angry?
PHYSICAL- clenching fist, feeling hot, pacing, punching walls, fighting, throwing objects, crying
MENTAL- thinking negative thoughts about harming others, thinking about similar negative experiences you've had in the past, isolation, shutting down
Name a coping skill where you are doing an activity
drawing, journaling, cooking, cleaning, painting, singing, watching tv, listening to music, fishing, making music
reducing the number of responsibilities you have, managing your responsibilities differently, not using substances, taking your medications, choose to involve yourself in relationships that are beneficial/healthy for you, talking to your loved ones/therapist about your stress, talk to your community provider (school)
People can feel more than 1 emotion at one time.
FACT. People can experience multiple emotions at one time such as "angry crying," being happy while still going through grief.
Boundaries are put in place to only protect your mental well-being. True or False?
False. Boundaries can be made in multiple areas of your life, spiritually, mentally, physically, academically, and more. For example; letting your partner know that you feel uncomfortable with certain kinds of physical touch protects you mentally and physically.
All anger is unhealthy. True or False?
False. There can be a health amount of anger. Anger can influence you prioritizing yourself by defending yourself or others, addressing actions/statements that you do not agree with, and more.
Coping skills should come naturally, it should not take effort to do. True or False?
False. Coping skills are new habits that you utilize in certain circumstances. It takes time to build new habits, especially in high-stress or emotionally-charged environments.
Stress can have physical and mental effects. True or False?
True. Prolonged stress can lead to sadness, feeling worthless, body pain, headaches, feeling overwhelmed, easily irritable.
Mental Health problems are common.
Experiencing sadness, feeling worthless, not having motivation, decrease in appetite and sleep are examples of common symptoms that people have.
A way to communicate boundaries with one word.
"No"
What are some triggers to your anger?
Being ignored, people talking behind my back, being lied to, being interrupted, feeling constrained or not having freedom
Is it best to use a coping skill before or after a situation escalates?
Before. A coping skill is meant to calm you down or distract you from a situation, so you can respond in a more positive level-headed way rather than emotionally charged. Your emotions when in a situation can have a major influence on your next response/action.
How can therapy be helpful?
Being able to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences to someone that is a stranger and can provide you guidance regarding your problems you're experiencing.
Self-care isn't always fun and easy.
Fact. Depending our emotions and experiences, we may not have the motivation to even get out of bed, let alone take a shower and brush our teeth/hair.
Allowing people to do things or say things to you that you feel uncomfortable with are examples of ______ boundaries.
Unhealthy. It is important that we voice how we feel uncomfortable to the other person, so that the other person knows and can change their behavior.
What are some ways that you can release anger in a healthy way?
Deep breathing, going for a walk, journaling, exercising, listening to music, talking to a trusted person