Coping Skills
Why is it important to make time for ourselves and have fun?
- Gives us a break so we can reenergize.
- Helps us cope when times are harder.
- Releases endorphins (happy hormones).
- Reduces stress.
- Feels good.
- Can help us have more energy to be helpful to others.
Exercise can boost your mental health.
True
Which of these can be a good way to manage stress?
- talking to a friend
- watching TV for hours
- ignoring your feelings and pretending like everything is fine
Talking to a friend.
How much sleep does the average teenager need each night?
Teens need about 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
True or False: Talking about mental health is important and can reduce stigma.
True
Name 2 healthy coping skills.
Reading, journaling, exercise, going outside, playing with a pet, talking to a friend, listening to music, drawing and doing art etc.
"Mindfulness" can be defined as: daydreaming about the future.
False. Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment.
How is sticking with a routine a part of self-care?
An effective routine can help reduce stress, which can lead to better mental health, more time to relax and less anxiety.
How can we support a friend?
- Listen to them without judgement.
- Ask them who else they feel comfortable talking to.
- Go with them to talk to a safe and caring adult (example: teacher, counselor, Elder etc.)
- Stay with them while they call the helpline.
- Notice and comment on positive changes as well for encouragement.
What is a symptom of anxiety?
- Feeling calm and relaxed
- Racing heart and trouble breathing
- Increased energy
How can talking about a hard time be helpful?
- Process what's going on: share your feelings, work out what is bothering you and explore what you can do about it.
- Feel better.
- Don't feel alone.
- Feel cared for.
- Create connection between people.
If I'm not happy all the time, my mental health is suffering.
False; ups and downs are a regular part of life. If your mental health is keeping you from doing the things you need or want to do, or you've been struggling for 2 weeks +, or are having thoughts of suicide, you should reach out for help.
Having alone time every day is helpful.
True: it helps you process your thoughts.
What are three things we need to be mentally well?
- Connection: We all need connection and are deserving of it.
- Respect: There is enough respect to go around for everyone and we are all valuable in our own way.
- Support: Asking for help is a skill we can work on.
- Rest.
- To move our bodies/exercise.
- Food that fuels us.
- Other healthy ways to cope.
True or False: Mental health issues are common and many people experience them.
True: everyone will struggle with their mental health at some point in their life.
Name 2 unhealthy coping skills.
If you see someone having a hard day, you should leave them alone and give them space.
False. The best thing you can do is ask how they are feeling and if they are okay. If they say they just need space, give them space. But sometimes just having a friend check on them is all they need to help them feel a little better.
What are 3 things you can include in your routine to keep yourself well?
- Getting enough sleep.
- Eating well.
- Moving your body.
Are there times when you shouldn't keep someone's confidence?
Yes.
If someone is / you believe that they are: being harmed by another person, is harming someone else, will harm themselves, or is suicidal, you must break their confidence and talk to a safe and caring adult.
Why are the holidays sometimes a difficult time for some people?
Many different factors can contribute to holiday stress: mental health, cultural expectations, community dynamics, weather, family situations, grief etc.