Coping Methods

What are Coping Methods?

Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can cause psychological stress (a feeling of emotional strain and pressure). Coping methods are the strategies we can use to help manage stress, trauma, and painful or difficult emotions. Different methods can help us adjust to stressful events while helping maintain our emotional well-being.

There are two main types of coping methods: Solution-focused (aka Problem-focused), and Emotion-focused. Solution-focused coping strategies are methods of dealing with the problem in order to reduce stress. Emotion-focused coping strategies help us handle any feelings of distress that come from our problem.

The Coping Skills Toolbox

*Click Orange Button below to access*

Solution-Focused Coping Strategies

*Definition is below

Exercise

  1. Go for a walk

  2. Play a sport

  3. Work out

  4. Yoga

  5. Dance

Self Care

  1. Take a bath/shower

  2. Get enough sleep

  3. Eat healthy foods

  4. Face masks/nails/hair/makeup/massage

  5. Manage your time/Set boundaries/Prioritize important tasks

Healthy Distractions

  1. Watch funny videos/tv shows/movies

  2. Play a game

  3. Read

  4. Clean/re-organize

  5. Garden

Meditate

  1. Deep breathing

  2. Stretch

  3. Pray

  4. Practice grounding/mindfulness*

  5. Yoga

Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies

Talk it out

  1. Talk with a friend or family member

  2. Practice positive self-talk

  3. Journal your thoughts/feelings

  4. Pros/Cons list

  5. Call/Text Teen Line (Dial (310) 855-4673 or Text "TEEN" to 83986)


Art

  1. Draw/Paint/Create

  2. Color

  3. Make a vision board

  4. Scrapbook

  5. Make a Collage

Inspiration

  1. Write out your goals (short or long term)

  2. Find/Write inspirational quotes

  3. Write a note to someone

  4. Listen to/watch a motivational speaker

  5. Go on a nature walk

Relax

  1. Meditate (deep breathing, stretching, mindfulness)

  2. Express yourself (draw/paint/create)

  3. Journal

  4. Listen to music

  5. Read a book

Definitions:

  • Grounding (v.): a practice that can help you pull away from flashbacks, unwanted memories, and negative or challenging emotions

  • Mindfulness (n.): a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique

Resources to help:

*Click on each Orange Button to access each resource*