Feelings and Coping Skills
By Kristen Galloway, Ph.D., Boys Town Center for Behavioral Healthand Michelle Woidneck-Kieffe, Ph.D., Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health
Builders and mechanics spend years gathering the right set of tools to use for jobs that present unusual or difficult challenges. These enable them to successfully deal with unexpected issues that pop up so they can move forward. This same idea applies to young children and teens as they learn and gather the right set of coping skills to help them navigate the many challenges that are a natural part of growing up.
Anxious / Fearful
Young Children
First, identify what is making you afraid. Then, decide whether you are in actual danger or just feeling afraid. If you are not in real danger, take a deep breath and relax your body—imagine your body is a spaghetti noodle. Talk to someone you trust about what is causing your fear. Tell yourself that you can do this!
You may also try thinking about a time when you were brave or imagine yourself as a superhero. Or try to distract yourself—do artwork, play a board game, watch a favorite TV show, or do something else you enjoy.
Example Coping Skills:
- Try to identify what is making you afraid.
- Practice deep breathing to relax your body.
- Talk to someone.
- Think about a time you were brave or imagine you are a superhero.
- Try distracting yourself.
Teens
First, try to identify the source of your anxiety. Identify whether you are safe or if you are in a dangerous situation.
If you are in a dangerous situation, seek safety immediately. If not, take the following steps:
- Is there a problem to be solved? For example, if you are anxious about a test, make a study plan.
- If no problem can be solved, or anxiety persists, try:
- Do something enjoyable even if anxious (watch a funny video, talk to a friend, go for a walk).
- Try self-soothing (listen to music, meditate, play with your pet, take a bath, try yoga).
- Seek support from a trusted adult or friend.
Example Coping Skills:
- Identify the source of your anxiety.
- Use problem-solving if needed.
- Engage in an enjoyable activity.
- Try a self-soothing activity.
- Talk to a trusted friend or adult.
Sad / Depressed
Young Children
First, try to identify what is making you feel sad. Does it make sense that you feel sad? For example, did a friend move away or did you lose a favorite toy? If so, remind yourself that sadness is normal and it’s okay to feel sad or even to cry.
Talk to a loved one about your feelings. Try doing something enjoyable—play your favorite game, spend time with friends, play outside, or read your favorite book. You may also try distracting yourself, like playing with your pet or building something.
Example Coping Skills:
- Identify what’s making you sad.
- Remind yourself it’s normal to feel sad and cry.
- Talk to a parent or loved one.
- Engage in an enjoyable activity.
- Try distracting yourself.
Teens
Identify the source of your sadness. It’s normal to feel down after a breakup or disappointment. Talk to someone you trust or write in a journal. Do something you enjoy, even if you don’t feel like it, such as going outside or working on a project.
Make a gratitude list or focus on what’s going well. Avoid isolating yourself and remember that no feeling lasts forever—this will pass.
Example Coping Skills:
- Identify what is making you feel sad.
- Remind yourself sadness is normal.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Journal about your feelings.
- Engage in an enjoyable activity.
- Make a gratitude list.
- Avoid isolating yourself.
Angry / Irritated / Frustrated
Young Children
Everyone feels angry sometimes. Notice how your body feels—does your heart race, do you clench your fists? Try to calm down by taking deep breaths, counting to 20, or taking a break. When calm, do something you enjoy like drawing or playing outside.
Example Coping Skills:
- Recognize how your body feels when angry.
- Use calming strategies (deep breathing, count, take a break).
- Do an enjoyable activity.