Coping Skills (Positive or Negative)

Pretending like you don't care

Hanging out with friends

Running away

Using a stress ball or fidget tool

True or False: It's important that I understand which positive coping skills help me to calm down, and which negative coping skills I should avoid

Spreading rumors/gossip

Naming-calling or insulting

Using positive self-talk (e.g., "I can do this!")

True or False: If a coping skill makes you feel better, then it is a positive skill.

Going for a walk

Threatening others

True or False: Everyone uses the same coping skills when they are upset, angry, or stressed.

Negative self-talk (e.g., "I'm so bad at this")

True or False: It's OK to feel angry or upset.

Deep breathing

Becoming violent (e.g., hitting, kicking, throwing objects)

Talking to a friend or trustred grown up

Yelling and screaming

True or False: A positive coping skill is one that might feel good when you use it, but it ends up hurting you or other people. Using this coping skill for a long time can be harmful.

True or False: A positive coping skill is one that helps you feel better in the moment without hurting yourself or anyone else. It's also one that doesn't get you in trouble now or later.

Shutting down

Doing something creative (draw, color, make music)

Hurting yourself

Taking a break