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This week (October 23rd - 31st) is Red Ribbon Week. The theme this year is “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.”
Red Ribbon Week is always an important moment to reflect on the importance of healthy behaviors and positive choices. Red Ribbon Week 2020 provides new context and significance to these reflections. The COVID-19 pandemic has refocused our attention on our physical and emotional health. It has also brought additional awareness to the importance of community health, supportive relationships, and responsibility for one another. The pandemic has also presented new and often overwhelming challenges to young people and their families. As a result, rates of substance abuse, overdose, and addiction are on the rise.
It is in this context that BSD7 is presenting Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity to talk about positive coping skills. During challenging times, it is normal to look for ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Some young people resort to drugs and alcohol because they believe that this will help them numb their uncomfortable feelings or distract them from stressors. This is a problem not only because of the health risks associated with alcohol and drug use, but also because drugs and alcohol often exacerbate the very same issues that people are trying to avoid or escape. Substances are a very poor coping tool and can actually prevent people from taking appropriate steps to solve their problems.
Positive coping skills are an alternative to ineffective and dangerous strategies like drugs and alcohol. They can also help build resilience during these stressful times.
Examples of positive coping skills include:
Engaging in physical activity or exercise
Reading
Spending time on your hobbies or learning to do something new
Volunteering for community service or to help someone in need
Practicing deep/slow breathing
Setting limits or boundaries
Scheduling time for yourself
Practicing meditation or relaxation techniques
Talking about your burdens with someone you trust
Expressing gratitude
For teachers or parents wanting to learn more about positive coping tools and to get access to Red Ribbon Week distance learning tools (including talks from professionals, bands, and professional athletes) click here. For more on Red Ribbon’s 2020 theme: Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. click here.
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