Unhealthy Coping Skills
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.
Explain the phrase "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 determine when 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 you 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, avoid hurting others, prevent self-harm or worsening stressful triggers/situations.
How can you determine when someone is anxious?
Sweating, breathing heavily, fidgeting, restless, rapid speech
Thoughts can affect our emotions and behavior
TRUE
Name the 3 different types of stress responses
Fight, flight, or freeze
What are some emotions that lead to unhealthy coping strategies?
Answers vary - Anger, Sadness, Anxiety, Confusion, Depression, Etc.
Name 3 healthy coping strategies you use or would like to start using
Answers will vary.
How can you determine when someone is angry?
Breathing heavily, clenched fists, facial expression, getting red, stopped speaking, cold/hard stare, raised voice
Other people can make you feel a certain way
FALSE
Coping Strategies
Name 3 unhealthy coping strategies that affect others.
Responses will vary - Substance use/Angry outbursts/Disruptive behavior around others
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 shower, music listening, watching tv, nature watching, mindful coloring, journaling
How can you determine when someone is sad?
Crying, quiet, isolating, blank stares, head held down, withdrawn, isolating
We use healthy AND unhealthy coping skills to feel better
TRUE
State the correct order of the following sequence of events:
behavior, emotion, thought
Thought, emotion, behavior
Name 3 unhealthy coping strategies that only affects you as an individual.
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 can you determine when someone is annoyed?
Rolling eyes, ignoring you, rude attitude, no longer initiate interactions/dialogue, avoid you, exclude from other activities
Healthy coping skills can become unhealthy
TRUE - If they are done excessively or in an unhealthy way
Why is it important to practice different coping strategies?
To determine which strategy works best for you