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, Writing/Drawing/Painting, Listening to Music, Spending Time with Friends/Family, Go for a Walk, Deep Breathing, Meditation, talking to someone you trust, Journaling
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
If you are being called names, what coping skills can you do/use?
- Walk away/remove yourself
- Take deep breaths
- Set a boundary
Define "healthy coping skills".
Safe, constructive ways of managing stress and emotions that improve well-being instead of causing harm.
Name 3 unhealthy coping skill
Fighting, avoiding help, yelling at others, harming others or yourself, using alcohol or drugs
Give an example of a self-soothing coping skill
Taking a bath/shower, putting on comfy clothing, listening to music, etc.
Coping skills help you focus on important things in your life
True
They help us regulate our emotions and make healthy decisions.
Someone laughs at you. What emotions might you feel?
Embarrassed, angry, sad.
How could you cope with this situation?
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 are deep breathing, yoga, and paying attention to your surroundings?
Mindfulness
Give an example of an emotional awareness coping skill
Journaling, talking to someone, 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)
Why is mindfulness important?
It helps us feel our emotions, stay grounded in the present, and helps us cope with our situation.
When should you practice coping skills?
All the time! Practice will help create patterns, if coping skills are not practiced, they are unlikely to help when you are experiencing strong thoughts or emotions
What kind of coping skill is playing a game or watching a movie?
Distraction coping skills
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
What are some of the physical signs that you notice when you’re beginning to feel stressed or anxious?
Faster heart rate, tight chest, shallow breathing, muscle tension, trembling.
Which of the coping skills below are unhealthy:
Getting fresh air
Talking to a trusted friend/adult
Destroying property
Exercising
Playing a game
Yelling at someone
Using drugs
- Destroying Property
- Using drugs
- Yelling at someone
You get into a fight with your sister, but instead of yelling and throwing something because you are upset, you walk away. What type of coping skill is this?
Opposite Action Coping Skill and/or Anger Management
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.
You feel overwhelmed in a crowded space. What Skill might help?
Grounding by focusing on your senses, Breathing techniques, step outside/take a brief break, body scan, positive self-talk.