Coping Skills
True or False: Taking a walk and listening to music are examples of healthy coping skills
True
Name one example of an unhealthy calming strategy.
Examples - 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 others 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.
What is one of your strengths?
I love that about you!
Name 1 healthy coping strategy
Examples - reading, doing a puzzle, asking to play a game, taking a break, asking for help from a trusted adult, drawing your feelings
True or False: My best friend was trying to pick a fight with me, I wanted to yell and scream but instead I chose to go home then to my room and listen to music. This is a negative calming strategy.
False - leaving the situation before it escalates and listening to music is an example of a POSITIVE calming strategy.
What are some benefits that you have experienced from using healthy coping skills?
Examples - feeling more relaxed, having a clear mind to help solve your problems, maintaining healthy relationships with others, or 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.)
What is one goal that you have for yourself?
That sounds great!
True or False: Guided meditation is NOT helpful for stress and anxiety
False
How can unhealthy calming strategies negatively affect our lives?
Negative calming strategies may hurt ourselves or others (e.g., self harm or causing harm to others through yelling or hitting).
Exercise is a great coping skill that is good for your mind, body, and ____ .
Soul
Exercise helps you stay healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually.
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.
What do you think makes someone a good friend?
That is so true!
Name 2 relaxation techniques
Examples - progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, deep breathing, imagery
John has a lot of stress from school. When he gets home, he gets easily agitated with his mom who asks him "what is wrong?" He gets so anxious, that he yells at his best friend to get his frustration out. Is this a healthy calming strategy, and why or why not?
No. Talking with someone is a great calming strategy. However, yelling is unhealthy and it may cause issues in our relationships.
What healthy coping skills can be used to reduce stress? Name ONE that you would LIKE to do, but haven't tried yet.
- meditation
- talking with someone
- breathing exercises
- exercise
- mindfulness
- yoga
True or False:
Healthy 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!
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
Yes!
True or False: Yelling at someone when angry is a healthy coping skills
False - It might feel like yelling is the best thing to do, but it usually only makes us feel worse.
Charlene gets in to a fight with her friend. She decides to leave the situation and go for a walk. Is this a healthy calming strategy?
Yes - going on a walk and leaving the situation is a great way to reduce stress and calm down.
What do healthy coping skills help us with?
Healthy coping skills help us work through and process our emotions so that we can reduce the effect that stressors have on our lives.
True or False:
Healthy coping skills are not important to your well-being.
FALSE!
Healthy coping skills create a sense of calmness, confidence, and inner-peace. They are important for your overall health.
Tell me about a time when you laughed the hardest; or a time when you made someone laugh really hard.
So funny!
Name 1 coping skill you have never used, but would like to try
:0) That sounds so fun!
What is one healthy calming strategy you can practice today?
:) great choice!
Name two healthy coping skills you already use to manage stress in your life.
:) those are great ones!
TRUE OR FALSE
Everyone has the same coping skills.
FALSE.
what works for me might not work for everyone. That's why there are so many coping skills options
Tell me about an achievement or experience you are most proud of and why.
Wow! That's quite an achievement!