Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviors
What is a thought?
Thoughts are what we say to ourselves in our heads
True or False: All of these are symptoms of anxiety: sweaty hands, butterflies in stomach, face turning red, and increased heart rate.
True
What is an ANT?
An ANT is an Automatic Negative Thought. These thoughts seem true, but often they are not, or they are exaggerated. ANTs make us feel sad, angry, or nervous
What is the best thing I can do when I’m feeling down and do not want to get out of bed?
Get Active! Schedule and do fun activities throughout the week to help yourself get active and feel better.
True or False: I had fun and learned some great skills in this group
We hope the answer to this question will be true!
What is a Feeling?
Feelings are words to describe our mood or how our body feels.
True or false: It’s wrong to feel nervous, anxious, angry, or sad.
False. There are no wrong feelings. We all experience different feelings at different times.
What is an example of an ANT?
An example of an ANT is, “No one wants to play me.”
Name three emotion words that are similar to angry.
Examples include: mad, furious, irritated, annoyed, frustrated.
Who can show me the correct way to belly breathe? When is a good time to practice this skill?
show the group how to belly breathe. Students can practice this skill at bedtime, in the morning before school, or when feeling any signs of anxiety or anger
What is Behavior?
Behavior is what we do (run, skip, cry, yell, etc.)
True or False: Our feelings of anxiety are tied to the fight/flight/freeze system in our brains
True
Name one coping skill I can practice when I am at a 9-10 on the thermometer with an uncomfortable feeling.
Examples include getting active and practicing belly breathing.
What does it mean to avoid? Is avoiding helpful?
Avoidance is what we are doing when we stay away from something. We especially avoid situations that cause us to feel afraid or uncomfortable. Avoiding can be helpful at times when we need to protect ourselves, but avoiding is not helpful if we are staying away from something safe that we want to do or need to do, such as going to the dentist or doctor, participating in school, or meeting new friends.
When was Tatham built?
1952
How are thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connected? Can anyone give an example of each? Use the following situation: You just found out you have a snow day.
Thought: “Hooray! I can sleep in and see my friends.” Feeling: excited, happy. Behavior: dance around, yell with joy.
What is Progressive Muscle Relaxation?
Coping strategy/calm down strategy (tightening and releasing muscles, like squeezing a lemon)
True or False: Thinking of what I am thankful for can help me feel better.
True.
What can we do to help us stop avoiding the things we want to do or need to do?
We can make a fear ladder and face our fears!
When is St. Patrick's Day?
March 17th
How are thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connected? Can anyone give an example of each? Use the following situation: You just found out you have test in math.
Thought: “Oh no I have a math test” Feeling: nervous, worried. Behavior: shaky, quiet, not paying attention.
Name three coping strategies or calm down strategies
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (tightening and releasing muscles, like squeezing a lemon) • Alien Eating (mindful eating) • Cloud Relaxation (visual imagery) • Belly Breathing • Getting Active • Finger Maze • Listening to music • Other
What are two questions I can ask myself if I catch an ANT in my head and want to have a more helpful thought instead?
Ask: “How do I know this is true?” “What is the evidence?” “What would I tell my best friend if they were having this thought?”
How are you going to manage your big feelings at school?
coping skills
What is Tatham's mascot?
Tatham Tigers! Does the tiger have a name?