Healthy Coping Skills
Name 3 healthy coping skills.
- Read a Book, Writing/Drawing/Painting, Listening to Music, Spending Time with Friends/Family, Go for a Walk, Deep Breathing, Meditation, talking to somone you trust
Name one example of an unhealthy coping skill.
Avoiding Help
- Fighting
- Yelling at others
- Harming others or yourself
Which of the following is a benefit of using healthy coping skills?
a.) they reduce stress b.) they allow us to create better relationships c.) they allow us to have a healthy mind and body d.) all of the above
d.) all of the above
True or False: Talking to someone you trust about problems in our lives is a healthy coping skill.
TRUE! Talking to others allows us to share our emotions and problems so that we do not have to go through them alone.
List two ways to care for yourself physically.
healthy eating, good sleep schedule, good dental hygiene, exercise, drinking water, showering/bathing, getting in the sun
How does a therapist help?
-Listens to you
-Helps find tools for self-expression
-Teaches self-regulation tools
Healthy coping skills help us
a.) Deal with stressors in our lives b.) Work through our emotions and problems c.) Process our thoughts and emotions d.) All of the above
d.) All of the above
Using healthy coping skills allow us to take a minute and process what is happening with our emotions, stressors, thoughts, and problems.
Which of the coping skills below are unhealthy.
Getting Fresh Air, Talking to a Trusted Friend/Adult, Destroying Property, Exercising, Playing Sports, Taking Feelings Out on Others, Yelling at someone you don't like
destroying property
yelling at someone you don't like
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, Being able to think about your response to a situation,
True or False: Every coping skill is healthy
FALSE! Some ways that we learn to cope are not healthy for us! (ex: fighting, eating too much, running from problems, etc.)
why is self love important?
loving yourself leads to better self esteem, more relationship satisfaction, better coping skills, lowers anxiety and stress, builds self esteem and resilience, motivations for change, motivation for healthier choices in life
Do I have to talk to my therapist about everything?
No. It is up to you. It is your journey, and you get to decide what that looks like.
Name three things that you can journal about.
- Your Feelings (sad, happy, mad, motivated, etc.) Thoughts, Favorite Activities, Goals, Future Events, Your day
What is one way unhealthy coping skills affect us?
they can hurt us, can hurt others, can cause more problems, create bad habits
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
Using healthy coping skills allows us to reduce stress!!!
True or False: Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives.
FALSE! Coping skills help us work through our problems and emotions. You do not want to avoid these! Avoiding is considered an unhealthy coping skill.
Is positive self talk a way to show yourself love?
Yes
What is your therapist's name?
Depends on student
Describe mindfulness. Is it a coping skill?
Mindfulness is when you center yourself in the present moment. It can be done through meditation, relaxation exercises, or just simply slowing down and taking notice of things that are currently around you.
Yes, it is a coping skill!
True or False?
All stress is out of your control.
False
Name 2 coping skills can be used to reduce stress?
- meditation, talking with someone, breathing exercises, exercise, mindfulness, yoga, coloring
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
Tell me one positive affirmation
ANY
Will I get in trouble with my therapist?
Never. Your therapist's job is to create a space where you feel safe mentally, emotionally, and physically.
What is one healthy coping skill people can use when feeling lonely and isolated?
learning a new skill
pursue a hobby
reading a good book
listening to music
connect with nature
Reach out to a friend or trusted adult
What is one emotion that often lead people to engage in unhealthy coping skills?
Anger
Sadness
Anxiety
Jealousy
Depression
Guilt
When does a healthy coping skill become unhealthy?
When it is done excessively and in a unhealthy way.
When it negatively affects your life
True or False: Coping skills are not important to your well-being.
FALSE! Coping skills create a sense of calmness, confidence, and inner-peace. They are important for your overall health
When is practicing self care important?
Every single day!!!!
Can I meet with my therapist anytime I want?
No. You need to request to meet with your therapist by letting your teacher or PAs know! They will reach out to your therapist, who will make a time to talk, depending on the immediacy of the need.
What are some of the coping skills you are currently using?
ANY
What is an example of an unhealthy coping skill?
Avoiding issues
sleeping too much
drug or alcohol use
impulsivity
over/under eating
Who can benefit from using coping skills? AND when should they be used?
EVERYONE ALL THE TIME
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.
True or false: In order to practice self care you need to spend lots of time and money?
FALSE
What is confidentiality?
What you say to the therapist is only between you and them. Unless they have your permission to share something with your caregivers. UNLESS you are hurting yourself, hurting someone else, or someone is hurting you, then we must get other adults involved to keep you safe.