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
You're bored in group. What's a healthy way to cope with the boredom?
(Similar or exact answers receive points)
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
False
Coping skills help us work through problems in a healthy way
Meadows Group Rules state if you need a ____ ____ , it is with the intention of coming back to group.
Coping break
Define "healthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are not harmful to you or others.
Name 3 unhealthy coping skills.
Self-harm, fighting, avoiding help, yelling at others, harming others or yourself, using substances (alcohol/drugs), gossiping about others.
(Similar or exact answers receive points.)
You had a rough family session. You feel sad and want to isolate. What's a way to take care of yourself in this moment?
Talk to staff. Go outside for fresh air. Use grounding techniques. Draw or write. Listen to music. Advocate to work out.
(Similar or exact answers receive points)
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
Food and drinks (exception is _____ ) are not allowed in group.
water
Define "unhealthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are 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?
BONUS: Which is also a relaxation technique?
Mindfulness
BONUS: deep breathing
You just had someone come up to you saying they're mad at you. You feel anxious and upset. What's a healthy way to respond?
Pause and breathe. Don't respond right away. Communicating that you need a minute. Talk to a staff member. Journal your feelings.
(Similar or exact answers receive points)
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 bring into group?
Fidget toys, stress balls, ice/heat packs.
(Similar or exact answers receive points)
What coping skills can you use while in groups?
Deep breathing, talk to staff about your needs, learn new skills, use affirmations, ability to advocate, ability to take a quick break outside.
What kind of coping skill is playing a game or watching a movie?
Distraction coping skills
You're feeling angry after being told 'no' by staff. You want to get away, yell, or break something. What can you do instead?
Advocate to take space outside. Squeeze a Needoh. Play with a fidget toy. Work out / lift weights / push ups / go for a walk or run. Push against a wall. Drink water. TIPP skills - ice dunk, jumping jacks, progressive muscle relaxation, paced / deep breathing. Once ready, talking to staff.
(Similar or exact answers receive points)
Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do
False
Coping skills are learned throughout our lives
Meadows Group Rules state take care of _____ _____ before group.
Basic Needs
Bonus +50 points if able to name examples of basic needs.
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 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
You received your discharge date! Now you're worried about going home soon. You're overwhelmed with mixed emotions– excited, scared, sad, nervous. How do you cope with these complex feelings?
Talk it through with staff. Share with peers in group (with therapist present). Share your concerns in family session. Write a letter to your future self. Locking in on your discharge paperwork (naming all your coping skills and safety plan for home). Use mindfulness to stay in the present.
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.
What types of items, considered coping skills, cannot be brought into groups?
Music, Rubik's cube, tea, books, playing cards, nail polish, guitar/music instruments, make-up, magazines, bracelet making items.
(Similar or exact answers receive points)
Bonus +50 points if able to name why.