Healthy Coping Skills
Name 3 healthy coping skills.
Writing/Drawing/Painting, Listening to Music, Spending Time with Friends/Family, Walking, Deep Breathing, Meditation, talking with someone, exercise, mindfulness, yoga, coloring
Name one example of an unhealthy coping skill.
Avoiding Help; Fighting; Yelling at others; Harming others or yourself; Social media; Procrastinating
What is one benefit that a person can experience from using healthy coping skills?
Feeling more relaxed, Having a clear mind to help solve your problems, Creating healthy relationships with others, and being able to think about your response to a situation.
True or False: Coping skills help you focus on the important things in your life.
TRUE! When we can cope with problems in our lives, it is easier to focus on everything else that is important to us
When life throws challenges, I stand tall. Bouncing back from setbacks, I won’t fall. What am I?
Resilence
What are some of the coping skills you are currently using?
Any
What are two routine stressors? (small but "annoying") and how do you cope with them?
Getting to work on time, cooking, cleaning, household chores, paying bills, etc.
List two ways to care for yourself physically. How does this improve your mental wellbeing?
healthy eating, good sleep schedule, good dental hygiene, exercise, drinking water, showering/bathing, getting in the sun
True of False: Coping skills increase resilience because they help people learn how to properly handle negative emotions, panic attacks, and other difficult situations.
True. When you effectively deal with a negative emotion or situation, you also move on and let go of the negative feelings that are associated with that experience.
I am a maze of worries and doubts, spinning around in never-ending bouts. I keep you awake in the dead of night, but with self-compassion, you can find respite. What am I?
Overthinking/Anxious thoughts/Racing thoughts
What do you do to relieve stress? Is it healthy or unhealthy?
Answer may vary
What are emotions that often lead people to engage in unhealthy coping skills?
Anger; Sadness; Anxiety; Jealousy; Depression; Guilt
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using healthy coping skills?
a.) allow us to create better relationships b.) they increase stress c.)allow us to have a healthy mind and body d.) all the above
B. they increase stress
True or False: There are instant "fixes" for stress.
Why or why not?
False Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Coping skills, personal strengths, and other environmental supports are built over time.
I can cause distress and make you feel low, But taking deep breaths can help me go. What am I?
Stress
What are clues to know when it's time to use my healthy coping skills?
When you start to feel like you are losing control of your behavior or your emotions
What is one way unhealthy coping skills affect us?
They can hurt us, can hurt others, can cause more problems, or create bad habits.
What are 3 STEPS you can take to control your emotions?
Identify your feelings, accept them, and express them in a healthy way.
True or False: Leisure activities are not coping skills. Only breathing exercises, meditation, grounding techniques, etc. are coping skills.
False. Leisure activities and hobbies are coping skills. Self-care activities such as eating, staying hydrated, sleeping, showering, brushing your teeth, etc. are all forms of coping.
I am a thread weaving connections tight. Building relationships, bringing joy and light. What am I?
Social Supports
When should you practice coping skills?
When calm and when in distress.
What is an example of an unhealthy coping skill you've used?
How can you cope differently next time?
Avoiding issues; sleeping too much; drug or alcohol use; impulsivity; over/under eating
When does a healthy coping skill become unhealthy?
When it is done excessively and in an unhealthy way.
When it negatively affects your life
True or False?
All stress is out of your control.
False; sometimes we create out own stressful situations
When troubles arise and sadness appears, Talking to a professional eases fears. What am I?
Therapy