Unhealthy Coping
What is an unhealthy coping strategy?
(No examples)
A bad, maladaptive, unhealthy or destructive coping mechanism is one where the behaviour does not resolve the problem in the long-term and may actually increase the harm. Unhealthy coping strategies may feel like they are having the desired effect in the short term.
What is a healthy coping strategy?
(No examples)
Healthy coping skills are behaviors that we use to make sense of negative experiences in a productive and positive way. They help us manage our emotions related to difficult times to improve emotional health and help us grow as people.
How can you tell if someone is happy?
Smiling, laughing, engaging with others, doing things they enjoy
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
FALSE
What is a trigger?
A trigger refers to something that affects your emotional state, often significantly, by causing extreme overwhelm or distress. A trigger affects your ability to remain present in the moment.
How do unhealthy coping skills affect us?
They can make the situation worse, get your in trouble, and will not solve the problem.
How do healthy coping skills affect us?
Answers vary - They can help us heal/fix the problem, they can help us avoid hurting others, they can prevent us from hurting more
Sweating, breathing heavily, fidgeting
Thoughts can affect our emotions and behavior
TRUE
Name 1 positive thought and 1 negative one
Answers will vary
What are some emotions that lead to unhealthy coping strategies
Answers vary - Anger, Sadness, Anxiety, Confusion, Etc.
Name 3 healthy coping strategies you use or would like to start using
Answers will vary.
How can you tell if someone is getting mad?
Other people can make you feel a certain way
FALSE
Name 1 healthy and 1 unhealthy coping strategy you use
Name 3 unhealthy coping strategies that require an item, person, or place
Responses will vary - Substance use/Angry outbursts/Misbehavior at school
Name 3 healthy coping strategies that require an item, person or place
Answers will vary - Gym, sensory items, talking to someone, going to a place you like, taking a bath
How can you tell if someone is sad?
Crying, getting quiet, isolating
We use healthy AND unhealthy coping skills to feel better
TRUE
What comes first? - behavior, emotion or thought? Then put the rest in order.
Thought then emotion then behavior
Name 3 unhealthy coping strategies that do not require another item, person, or place
Answers will vary - Negative Self-talk/Sleeping to avoid problems/biting/picking nails or skin/Pulling Hair/Hitting yourself
Name 3 healthy coping strategies that do not require an item, person or place
Answers will vary - Deep breathing, meditating, going for a walk, exercising, napping
How might you know if someone is annoyed or frusterated?
Rolling eyes, ignoring you, attitude
Healthy coping skills can become unhealthy
TRUE - If they are done excessively or in an unhealthy way
What is the title of the presentation today?
Words from the title will count, as close as you can get!