Coping Mechanisms Handout

This handout is designed to help you explore different ways to manage stress and take care of your mental health. Read through the list of coping mechanisms below. Then, answer the questions to reflect on which ones you might try and why they might help you.

List of Coping Mechanisms

Below are some common strategies:

• Deep breathing exercises
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Mindfulness and meditation
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Physical activity (e.g., walking, sports, dancing)
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Talking to someone you trust (a friend, family member, or teacher)
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Engaging in hobbies or creative activities (e.g., drawing, writing, playing music)
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Journaling your thoughts and feelings
  
  
  
  
  
  

Reflection Questions

1. Which coping mechanism(s) from the list do you think might help you when you feel stressed or upset? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Can you think of another activity not in the list that helps you feel better? Describe it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How might you help a friend who is having a hard time using one or more of these coping strategies?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Remember, it's okay to try different methods to see what works best for you. Your mental well-being is important, and these strategies are here to help you take care of yourself.

Mental Health Discussion Guide

This guide is designed to help you facilitate a thoughtful and engaging discussion on mental health with your 7th-grade students. Use these prompts to encourage sharing, reflection, and respectful listening. Remember to emphasize that all thoughts and feelings are valid, and that this is a safe space to express oneself.

Discussion Guidelines

• Respect and Empathy: Encourage students to listen without interrupting. Remind them that everyone's experience with mental health is unique.
• Safe Environment: Make it clear that if anyone feels uncomfortable, they can choose not to share.
• Share and Support: Urge students to provide supportive feedback when a peer shares their thoughts.

Opening Prompts

1. Icebreaker Question: What are some ways you take care of your mental well-being?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Reflect on Definitions: What does mental health mean to you? How is it similar to or different from physical health?
   
   
   
   
   
   

In-Depth Discussion Questions

3. Recognizing Signs: Can you share some signs or changes that might indicate someone is experiencing mental health challenges?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Coping Strategies: Which coping mechanisms have you tried before, or are you curious to try? Why do you think they might help?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Empathy in Action: How can you support a friend who is going through a tough time?
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Getting Help: What are some safe spaces or people you could reach out to if you needed help? (Consider teachers, family members, or school counselors.)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Closing Reflection

7. Personal Reflection: Think about one new coping strategy or idea you learned today. How might it help you in stressful situations?
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Final Thoughts: Is there anything else you would like to share or ask about mental health?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Use these questions to guide the discussion, and feel free to adapt them as suited to the flow of conversation. The goal is to create an open, understanding, and supportive dialogue about mental health.