Coping Skills
What is a coping skill?
An effective way to deal with uncomfortable emotions or situations.
Name 3 healthy coping skills
Read a Book, Journaling/Writing, Drawing/Painting, Listening to Music, Spending Time with Friends/Family, Going for a Walk, Deep Breathing, Meditation, Talking to someone you trust, Watching TV/A Movie
Give an example of a distraction coping skill
Playing a game, going for a walk, reading, watching a movie, etc.
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
False
Coping skills help us work through problems in a healthy way
What is a new coping skill that you learned about today that you will utilize in the future?
*If the coping skills we discussed today aren’t new to you, name one that you have used previously and that you feel is effective and will continue to use.
Team Answers
Define "healthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are healthy and not harmful to you or others.
Name 3 unhealthy coping skill
Fighting, Avoiding help/Isolating yourself, Yelling at others, Harming others or yourself, Using alcohol or drugs (substance abuse)
Give an example of a coping skill that we did not already mention today.
Taking a bath/shower, putting on comfy clothing, playing with/petting your pet, dancing, exercising/playing a sport, etc.
Coping skills help you focus on important things in your life
True
When we cope with problems and our emotions, it helps us think more clearly and tackle them better
Define "unhealthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are unhealthy or harmful to you or others, and/or keep you from effectively addressing your needs.
What kind of coping skills is paying attention to your surroundings?
Mindfulness
Give an example of a mindfulness coping skill
Deep breathing, Stretching, Meditation, Journaling, etc.
Every coping skill is healthy
False
Some ways we learn to cope are not healthy (e.g., like fighting or using substances or avoidance)
What coping skills can you use while at GENPsych?
Deep breathing, Talking to a therapist or tech about your needs, Working through group assignments to learn new skills, Using affirmations, Using breaks wisely
What kind of coping skill is playing a game?
Distraction
Give an example of an opposite action coping skill
Walking away instead of fighting, standing up straight when you feel nervous, getting out of bed when you are depressed or tired etc.
Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do
False
Coping skills are learned throughout our lives
Which of the coping skills below are unhealthy:
Getting fresh air
Talking to a trusted friend/adult
Destroying property
Hair pulling
Exercising
Playing a game
Taking feelings out on others
Yelling at someone
- Destroying Property
- Hair pulling
- Taking Feelings Out on Others
- Yelling at someone you don't like
You get into a fight with someone (sibling, friend, parent, etc.), but instead of yelling and throwing something because you are upset, you walk away. What type of coping skill is this?
Opposite Action
Name three coping skills you can do at home
Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, yoga), go for a walk, take a bath, journal...
Unhealthy coping skills are still coping skills
True
There are both healthy and unhealthy coping skills; the key is to knowing which are which, and utilizing healthy ones.