Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Skills
Name two healthy coping skills
journaling, aromatherapy, holding ice, listening to music, walking, video games, meditation/mindfulness, talking to someone, writing, drawing, listening to music, etc.
What is one benefit of using healthy coping skills?
helps you feel more relaxed, having a clear mind, increases ability to create healthy relationships, increases positive decision making, increases ability to be in control of our lives, help us work through and process emotions and stressors etc.
True or False:
Coping skills are only needed when you are struggling with negative emotions.
false
Name 1 coping skill that you can use while in your room
deep breathing, journaling, reading, drawing, exercise, take a nap
What is a stressor?
Anything that causes someone to be in a state of tension; people, places and things
Name three unhealthy coping skills
throwing things, yelling at others, harming yourself or others, not eating enough or eating too much, substance abuse/use, damaging property etc.
When does a healthy coping skill become unhealthy?
When it is done excessively and in an unhealthy way.
True or False:
All coping skills are healthy coping skills.
False
some coping skills can be harmful (eating too much sweets, having too much screen time, substance use, etc.)
Name that coping skill:
Think of a place you love, either that you have been at, or that you enjoy imagining yourself to be there. Describe it paying attention to using all five senses (e.g., the beach: what it looks like, how the sand feels, what it sounds like: wind and waves, saltwater smell
Visualization
Distraction is a category of coping skills.
Name an example of a coping skill that can distract you
walk away, reading a book, taking a walk, fidgeting with your hands, holding ice, watch a movie..
How do unhealthy coping skills affect us?
they can hurt us, can hurt others, can cause more problems with our physical and mental health, etc.
When I feel worried I can
a.) draw my worry
b.) yell at someone nearby
c.) journal
d.) (a) and (c)
D. a and c
True or False:
What helps one person cope with stress may not necessarily help me.
True
Everyone has different coping skills and strategies that work for them.
Name that coping skill:
Look at and direct your attention towards picture or photograph of a beautiful and calming scene (i.e., beach, mountains); look at nature
Imagery
What should you do if you feel yourself becoming triggered?
movement - exercise, walking, biking
Some anger coping skills are
a.) walk away
b.) take a deep breath
c.) talk about it
d.) all of the above
d.) all the above
Why are coping skills so important to our well- being?
They help us create a sense of calmness, builds confidence, attains inner peace, and help us reduce stress.
True or False:
Coping skills are used to avoid our problems
False
Coping skills are used to address current emotions and can benefit in addressing the problems.
Name that coping skill:
The practice of __________ involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way, which can help manage stress and improve mental well-being.
Mindfulness
Which of the following are under the calming or self-soothing category of coping skills?
a.) ruminating
b.) jumping jacks
c.) deep breathing
d.) ignoring/moving on
c.) deep breathing
Name 3 coping skills you are currently using or would try?
Deep breathing, grounding, yoga, watching movies, listening to music, walking, walking away from stressors, talking to my supports, drawing, journaling etc.
Name a mindfulness practice that can help you calm your body and mind?
What is deep breathing (4 square breathing), OR meditation, OR grounding exercise, (5-4-3-2-1, name 5 things that are specific color, notice the ground beneath you, hold your thumb in your hand), etc.
True or False:
All people need to use coping skills for well-being.
true!
Describe the differences between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping
Problem-focused coping addresses the problem causing the stress directly, such as seeking solutions or making changes to reduce the stressor.
Emotion-focused coping manages the emotional response to the stressor, by relaxation techniques or seeking social support.
Problem-focused coping is often more effective when the stressor is controllable. Emotion-focused coping is beneficial especially when the stressor is beyond your control.
Demonstrate 1 coping skill
examples: deep breathing, drawing, exercise, taking a walk, talking to someone you trust