Positive Coping
There are 6 different types of coping skills which include: Self-soothing, distraction, opposite action, emotional awareness, mindfulness, and crisis plan.
​
Some positive coping
mechanisms include:
1. Talking or writing out how you feel either in a journal, support group, with people you trust, therapy, or counseling.
2. Learning practical skills like taking a break or time managing: taking an active time-out from something that is causing distress is a great way to refocus thoughts and energy. Taking it easy from time to time isn’t being lazy; it’s actually very healthy, especially if you've been experiencing a hard time.
3. Doing something you love: engaging in enjoyable activities can help you lower stress and put you in a positive mindset. Some examples might be:
-
Taking a walk, using an exercise app, playing sports
-
Listening to music, read a book Click here and scroll down the resource page for some names of books you can read
-
Writing, drawing, painting, playing an online game
-
Watching a TV show, movie or TED talk. and scroll down for movies you can watch.
-
Face Timing, calling, texting or physically hanging out with friends (if safe to do so)
-
Anything that makes you happy and lifts your mood
4. Eating well & exercising: it is important that you eat healthy, nutritious meals that will help your body support itself through tough times. Exercise can also help by releasing tension and increasing energy levels.
-
Try getting as many vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into your diet. This might be things like swapping the after school chips or candy to a piece of fruit. Just as simple and easy but better for your overall health.
5. Using relaxation techniques: apps like headspace or calm can be used to relax. Click here to head over to the resource page and scroll down for other free apps you can download.
​
6. Engaging in Positive self talk: it’s okay to feel good about and even to compliment yourself on, all your achievements, however big or small.
7. Get enough sleep and have a good sleep routine.
8. Sustain relationships with those who care about you.
9. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day & disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
​
10. Ask for support or help when you need it. ​​
-
If you or someone in your family is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) is available 24/7 at 1-800-981-4357, or call 911.
-
If you are feeling sad, lonely, hopeless, or suicidal, Samaritans can help. Call or text their 24/7 helpline any time at 877-870-4673. Services are free and confidential.
-
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8225), or go online to chat with a counselor.
-
LGBTQ Youth: The Trevor Project operates a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTA youth. Call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386. Youth can also text "Trevor" to 1-202-304-1200 for support, or use the online chat feature on the Trevor Project's website.