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
Go for a walk
Play a sport
Work out
Yoga
Dance
Self Care
Take a bath/shower
Get enough sleep
Eat healthy foods
Face masks/nails/hair/makeup/massage
Manage your time/Set boundaries/Prioritize important tasks
Healthy Distractions
Watch funny videos/tv shows/movies
Play a game
Read
Clean/re-organize
Garden
Meditate
Deep breathing
Stretch
Pray
Practice grounding/mindfulness*
Yoga
Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies
Talk it out
Talk with a friend or family member
Practice positive self-talk
Journal your thoughts/feelings
Pros/Cons list
Call/Text Teen Line (Dial (310) 855-4673 or Text "TEEN" to 83986)
Art
Draw/Paint/Create
Color
Make a vision board
Scrapbook
Make a Collage
Inspiration
Write out your goals (short or long term)
Find/Write inspirational quotes
Write a note to someone
Listen to/watch a motivational speaker
Go on a nature walk
Relax
Meditate (deep breathing, stretching, mindfulness)
Express yourself (draw/paint/create)
Journal
Listen to music
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*