Fatal or Faux-Should My Dog Be Barking?

1

100

• Public Speaking:

  • Scenario: You have to give a presentation in front of your class.
  • Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux-

This is an anxiety driven fear.

200

• Scenario: You are hiking in the woods and come across a bear.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

• Answer: Real danger. Wild animal encounters can be dangerous

300

New School:

• Scenario: You are starting at a new school and don’t know anyone.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

This is an anxiety driven fear

It's normal to be nervous at a new school.

Use your coping skills to let your dog know you are safe.

400

Test Anxiety:

• Scenario: You have an important math test tomorrow, and you’re worried you might fail.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux danger.

This is anxiety driven.

It might be uncomfortable to face failing a test, but it is not dangerous.  Problem solve and figure out how to improve study habits.

500

Social Media Post:

• Scenario: You posted a picture on social media, and no one has liked it yet.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

This might be tough to deal with, but it is not dangerous. With coping skills, you can move through this.

2

100

Friend Argument:

• Scenario: You had an argument with your best friend, and now they aren’t talking to you.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

Again this probably feels dangerous and also makes you feel insecure. But using grounding skills and problem solving is the best way forward.

200

Home Alone with Intruder:

• Scenario: You are home alone and hear someone breaking into your house.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

• Answer: Real danger. An intruder in your home is a serious threat.

300

Crossing a Busy Street:

• Scenario: You need to cross a busy street with fast-moving traffic and no crosswalk.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

• Answer: Real danger. Crossing a busy street without a crosswalk can be very dangerous.

400

• Dog Barking:

  • Scenario: You are walking past a house, and a big dog starts barking loudly at you from behind a fence.
  • Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

A barking dog doesn't necessarily mean dangerous.

Plus, the dog is behind the fence.

500

Group Project:

• Scenario: Your group members aren’t doing their part of the project, and it’s due soon.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

This is a frustrating situation. It may cause anxiety and worry. But with the right coping skills and problem solving, this problem can find resolution. It is not dangerous.

3

100

Health Emergency:

• Scenario: You see someone collapse and they are not breathing.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

• Answer: Real danger. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.

200

Health Symptoms:

• Scenario: You have a mild headache and start to worry that it’s something serious.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

While this is uncomfortable and may mean a trip to get a pain medicine, a mild headache alone is not dangerous.  If you a medical illness where a headache signals more intervention, taking a deep breath, using coping skills and implementing the plan would prove successful.

300

Approached by a Stranger:

• Scenario: A stranger offers you a ride home in their car.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

• Answer: Real danger. Accepting rides from strangers can be risky.

400

Fire in the Building:

• Scenario: You smell smoke and see flames in the school building.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

• Answer: Real danger. A fire is a serious and immediate threat that requires quick action.

500

Lost Homework:

• Scenario: You can’t find your completed homework, and it’s due in the next class.
• Question: Is this real danger or faux danger?

Faux

It is uncomfortable at times and embarrassing to misplace things. It may require a tough conversation, but it is not dangerous.  Using coping skills and problem solving can get you through this.