True or False
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
FALSE !!
Coping skills help us work through our problems in healthy ways.
Myth or fact..
Ignoring your emotions will make them go away.
Myth!! Ignoring the problem may increase emotional reactivity (discuss urge surfing).
You are stocking shelves at work. Your supervisor walks by, looks at the shelves, then looks at the clock and sighs.
Non-verbal cues:
Looking at the clock
Sighing
The supervisor may be worried about time or wants the task done faster.
Jordan and Sam work at a grocery store. Sam arrives 15 minutes late for his shift.
Response:
“Well, must be nice to show up whenever you feel like it.”
Not tactful- what could Jordan say to make it tactful?
FALSE !!
All coping skills are learned throughout our entire lives.
Myth or Fact...
People who ask for help are courageous.
Fact!!
Asking for help and being vulnerable helps us overcome difficult situations with the support from others and strengthen our relationships.
You ask a coworker for help with a task. The coworker crosses their arms and looks away.
Non-verbal cues:
Crossed arms and looking away
The coworker may be upset, busy, or not ready to help.
A supervisor tells Maya that she needs to double-check her work before turning it in.
Response:
“Okay, I’ll slow down and check it next time. Thanks for letting me know.”
Tactful- how could you make the response NOT tactful?
All stressors are within our control.
False!!
Not everything is within our control. Let's talk about a few things within and out of our control.
Myth of fact..
Effective coping skills work instantly and don't require practice in order to see the benefits
Myth!!
Coping skills can take time and hard work to be effective.
Your manager explains how to clean equipment. You start talking while they are still explaining. The manager stops smiling and nods slowly.
Non-verbal cues:
No smile and Slow nodding
The manager wants you to listen and wait before talking.
Alex notices that a coworker’s lunch smells very strong in the break room.
Response:
“Wow, that smells awful. How can you eat that?”
Not Tactful- How can you make the response tactful?
Unhealthy coping skills are still coping skills.
TRUE !!
It is important to separate what is healthy from what isn't to make sure we are making the most use of healthy coping skills.
Myth or fact...
Most coping skills are done alone
Myth!!
Some coping skills can be done alone, but many can also be done with a freind or familly member. What are a few examples?
You are standing close to a coworker while talking. The coworker takes a step back.
Non-verbal cues:
Stepping backward
The coworker needs more personal space.
The manager tells Chris that his schedule has changed for tomorrow.
Response:
“I’m a little confused. Can you explain the new schedule again?”
Tactful- What would be a NOT tactful response?
We can get better at coping skills if we practice.
TRUE !!
With time and practice, we will always see improvement, even if it doesn't seem like much. Progress > Perfection.
Myth or fact...
Some coping skills are not as affective for certain individuals than others.
Fact !!
Coping skills are unique to everyone; some work better for others. Get to know yourself and be honest.
You finish a task and look at your supervisor. They smile and give you a thumbs-up.
Non-verbal cues:
Smiling and Thumbs-up
You did the job correctly.
A coworker accidentally puts items on the wrong shelf.
Response:
“You messed that up. You’re doing it wrong.”
Not Tactful- How could you make this a tactful response instead?