Coping Skills
True or false: Most people are born knowing how to use coping skills.
FALSE
We all have to learn different ways of managing difficult situations!
What is a trigger?
A situation, memory, or object that causes an intense emotional reaction.
MYTH
You can find coping strategies that fit any time schedule.
Anxiety
Deep breathing, meditation, journaling, grounding exercises
Skipping a meal
UNHEALTHY
What makes a coping skill unhealthy?
When they don't address underlying problems, make the situation worse, or suppress emotions.
What are some things that trigger your eating disorder?
Examples might include negative body image, feeling out of control, or difficult emotions.
Coping skills don't work, because I've tried them before and don't feel better.
MYTH
Coping skills take time and practice to be effective. Practicing coping strategies can have a positive cumulative effect.
Depression
Examples include:
Staying connected with others, challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion
Deep breathing
HEALTHY
Some of the benefits of using coping skills are...
Reduced stress/anxiety/depression, improved self-esteem, increased resilience, decreases side effects of stress
What are some ways you can plan ahead for triggers?
Examples including coping ahead, avoiding situations with common triggers, or asking for support
Negative body image
Examples include:
Collecting body-positive experiences, getting rid of clothes that don't fit, acknowledge what your body does well
Hitting someone
UNHEALTHY
Name at least one coping skill you use regularly.
YOUR ANSWER
Why is it helpful to identify and plan ahead for triggers?
Examples include feeling more prepared, avoiding "freezing" in the moment
One or two ways of coping is enough.
MYTH
It's good to have a tool box full of tools to help with different types of problems.
Obsessive thoughts
Examples include:
Worry time, identifying what you can and cannot control, challenge all-or-nothing thoughts
Crying
HEALTHY
True or false: Distraction is a coping skill.
TRUE
As long as it doesn't become avoidance!
True or false: You should always avoid things that are triggering.
FALSE
Sometimes triggers are unavoidable, and we can learn how to cope.
Coping skills can be physical, emotional, mental, and be done alone or with others.
FACT
Big emotions
Examples include:
Opposite action, self-care, radical acceptance
Exercise