Mental Health and Coping Skills
Define mental health.
Mental health includes our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and others. It includes how we relate to others, how we function, and how we cope with ups and downs.
Name three coping skills you can do at home
Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, yoga), go for a walk, take a bath, journal...
Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do
False
Coping skills are learned throughout our lives
Give an example of a reason someone might want to speak to the social counselor.
Family relationships, peer relationships, academic challenges, feeling depressed or anxious, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, just having a bad day, etc.
Define "healthy coping skills".
Healthy coping mechanisms focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of stress, challenges, and difficult emotions.
Give an example of something the video mentions that might challenge your mental health.
Financial stress, losing a loved one, poor coping skills, being bullied or excluded, low self-esteem, unsupportive relationships.
False
Good mental health is about feeling good about ourselves, doing things that we enjoy, and having resilience.
True or False
Counseling is just talking.
False
Sometimes counseling is talking, but other times it involves art, games, or other activities.
Define "unhealthy coping skills".
Unhealthy coping mechanisms, in contrast, tend to avoid or suppress the underlying problems, offering temporary distractions or numbing effects.
Give an example of something mentioned in the video that can support our mental health.
Financial security, job opportunities, positive educational experience, good coping skills, high self esteem, supportive relationships.
Academic motivation was the top reason 10th graders were referred to the Social Counselor last year.
False
Peer Relationships
How do you refer yourself to the counselor?
Fill out a google form, e-mail me, or let me know in person.
What are some potential negative consequences of unhealthy coping skills?
Increased distress, health problems, impacts on relationships, academic impacts
Give an example of an unhealthy "quick fix."
Drugs and alcohol, procrastination, over-eating, self harm
Healthy coping skills are adaptive.
True
Healthy coping skills facilitate positive outcomes by helping us better adapt to changes and stressors.
True or False
You have to meet with the counselor if someone refers you.
False
We will meet at least once, but counseling is always optional.
Why might someone refer to an unhealthy coping skill as a quick fix?
They provide temporary relief or distraction, but ultimately make the problem worse or create new ones.
Opposite action coping skills are when we do the opposite of what our distressing emotions are telling us. What might an example of that be?
Walking away instead of fighting, standing up straight when you feel nervous, getting out of bed when you are depressed or tired etc.
False
The best coping skills are ones that can be implemented regularly - periodically throughout the day or week. We often benefit more from regular, frequent stress management activities.
What are the top 4 most common counseling referrals for UNHP HS students?
Peer relationships, family relationships, anxiety, and academic motivation