Coping Skills to Manage Depression and Anxiety

It's common to hear about coping skills in therapy, but what are coping skills and how do they help?

This video will breakdown what coping skills are and how they help manage depression and anxiety.

Coping skills are any healthy activity or exercise to help you feel better.

Start off with doing things you like and makes you feel better.

Some common coping skills are:
Exercising
Art
Arts & Crafts
Reading
Movies/Video
Cooking
Baking
or anything else you enjoy

Coping skills are unique to each individual and what makes you feel better.

It is recommended to find a routine to practice your coping skills so that way when you need them, you can rely on them.

Some common skills recommended in therapy are:

1) Mindfulness, being in the present moment, in the here and now. Being aware of your feelings, thoughts, and experience.

Practice mindfulness with eating.
Be in the moment and enjoy your food or snack. Pay attention to something new in the experience and being aware of the texture, smell, taste, and all of the ingredients while you are in the moment practicing mindfulness.

2) Breathing exercises.
Try Belly Breathing.
Deeply inhale through your nose while filling your belly and slowly exhaling through your mouth.
Try this at least 5 times.

Grounding exercises:
Being aware of your surroundings and identify 5 things you can see around you to bring you to the here and now.

The Dive Reflex:
Use a cold item on your forehead or splash some cold water on your face to slow your heart rate and breathing to decrease anxiety.

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***DISCLAIMER***
Information provided on this channel is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice and is not intended to replace the services of a therapist, physician, or other qualified professional, nor does it constitute a therapist-client, physician, or quasi-physician relationship. You should not use information on this channel or the information on links from or featured on this channel (or any part thereof) to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified provider. If you are having urgent mental health needs or concerns, including thoughts of death or suicide, please call 911, the Suicide Prevention Hotline [phone]), or head to the nearest emergency room as needed. Please always seek the advice of a qualified provider regarding any questions related to treatment options and treatment needs.

[soaringfamiliescounseling]

Comment below with any questions you may have regarding coping skills or comment which coping skills you use.

[belle]

I tend to suffer bouts of anxiety and depression. I often wet a washrag with cold water and hold it on my face, mostly over my eyes, because I find it soothing and calming. Now I know there's a scientific reason this feels good to me, and it's called the dive reflex! Thank you. I've never heard anyone else mention this. Works for me!

[Greatchipmasta]

My care counselor recommended your channel for me 😌 it has definitely helped

[lois]

I was feeling guilty watching so much of my shows

[grayzelda]

How do I cope with a hoarder who's hoarding is their coping skill?