Coping Skills
The #1 recommended coping strategy to use to relax; most kids claim it "doesn't work."
A student trips in the cafeteria and drops their lunch tray on the floor. Food spills everywhere. The student feels ______________.
What is embarrassed?
You get in trouble with your parents for not doing the chores they asked. You feel angry and upset when they tell you you're not allowed to have your phone for the night.
What is normal?
You played poorly in your varsity soccer game and the opposing goalie saved all of the shots you attempted. You think, "I stink at soccer."
What is, "I made the varsity soccer team and got lots of playing time. It wasn't my best game but I'll do better next time."
It's late at night and you're feeling sad and hopeless. You are thinking about hurting yourself. Your parents are asleep and you don't want to text a friend. Who can you call or text?
What is the Crisis Line, 988?
This involves applying pressure to particular points on the body rapidly.
What is Tapping?
Jon and Rob both went out for the golf team. Rob has scored well during every match and the coach has given him many compliments. Jon has not gotten a single compliment and has not been invited to compete in any matches. When he compares himself to Rob, Jon wishes he could be more like Rob. Jon feels ________________.
What is jealous?
You have trouble sleeping every night for two weeks. You've lost your appetite and have noticed your clothing feels a bit loose.
What is concerning?
Your parents tell you you're grounded after they get a call from your teacher saying you've been disrupting class. You think, "I'm a terrible person. My teacher hates me."
"It was immature to disrupt class. I won't do that anymore. I'm not a terrible person, I just made a mistake. I will apologize to my teacher for how I behaved."
You notice red marks and scabs in lines on your friend's arms and legs. You are worried they might be cutting themselves. You're at school. You can tell these professionals...
Who are the school nurse, school counselor, REACH Counselor, or teacher?
This involves flexing and relaxing muscles and joints in the body from toes to head.
Tia was chosen as the winner of a poetry contest. Her work was published in the school yearbook and she received a gift certificate as part of her reward. Tia smiles when she hears the news that she won. Tia feels ____________.
What is proud?
You feel like you could cry more easily than usual. Things that you used to enjoy don't seem fun any more and you're not interested in hanging out with your friends.
What is concerning?
Your little sister gets a special birthday present from your parents. Even though you had a really special birthday a few months ago, you think, "They like her better."
You tell your counselor that you've been thinking about hurting yourself. You aren't sure if you can keep yourself safe or not. Your counselor will probably call this professional.
Who is a Crisis Counselor?
Name three different ways to distract yourself when you are feeling stressed.
What are listening to music, talking to a friend, watching TV, playing a video game, etc.?
Brad has had several difficult weeks in a row. His best friend moved away to another state and his grandma was diagnosed with cancer. His grades are dropping and he can't think of anything to look forward to. Brad is feeling h____________.
What is hopeless?
The idea of killing yourself pops into your head and you quickly realize that you have a lot to live for. You know that this isn't what you want. It surprises you that your brain even thought this in the first place.
What is normal?
You wake up with pimples on your face on school picture day. You think, "EW! Oh my gosh, I'm DISGUSTING! Everyone is going to think I am so ugly!"
"Everyone gets pimples from time to time. This might be embarrassing, but it will go away in a day or two. The photographer can touch up the pictures, or I can have them retaken if it's really that bad. It's not a big deal."
You have been feeling really anxious for more than a few weeks. You aren't sure who to talk to. This would be the best first person to talk to.
Thirty minutes of this coping skill are as effective as taking an antidepressant medication.
What is aerobic exercise?
Sam is starting at a new school. On his first day, he shows up wearing his favorite outfit, complete with a new pair of shoes that he picked out. When he gets to school some of the guys make fun of him and tell him his shoes are ugly. Sam wonders if he will ever make friends and fit in here. Sam feels i_______________.
What is insecure?
You are so worried about a test that your stomach hurts, your heart pounds, and you feel like you can't breathe. You feel dizzy and lightheaded and your mind is racing. You feel like you need to run out of the room and fight the urge to cry.
What is concerning?
You got less than your best grades this quarter. You haven't studied as much as you should have. You think, "I'm a failure."
"I'm not a failure. I will spend more time studying next quarter and bring the grades up."
You're having a bad day and feeling a little nervous about a presentation you have to give in your Literature class. You're using your coping skills but you still feel like you might like to talk to someone other than your parents. This is another person to talk to.
Who is a friend?