Healthy Coping Skills
Safety & Awareness | September 1, 2023
By Alicia Gehrig, Executive Director, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc.
Being a healthy person means handling changes that are happening in your surroundings and in your mind appropriately.
Some emotions are positive, such as joy, happiness, calm, or excited. Some emotions are negative, such as sadness, anger, jealousy, or loneliness. All of these emotions are perfectly normal to experience. It’s how one handles and copes with these emotions that determines a healthy versus unhealthy response. When you find yourself feeling upset, angry or having negative emotions, here are a few strategies you can use to help cope and work through it.
Healthy coping skills include:
- Find a safe space (both mental and physical)
- Talk to a safe person you trust
- Share your feelings
- Journal
- Watch your favorite TV show
- Deep breathing for 2 minutes (or more)
- Positive self-talk
- Write down what is bothering you and then throw it away
- Exercise (running, walking, dancing, bike ride, etc.)
- Take a break
- Listen to music
- Read a book
Practice makes perfect!
It will take time to form the habit of these healthy coping skills—and that’s OK! Being mindful and aware of your emotions and feelings is an important task when experiencing all types of emotions. If you’re having a hard time practicing these healthy coping skills, talk to a safe adult or call (920) 235-5998 to talk with a Youth Advocate at Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services. Always remember, Help Is Here!
