# data[].attributes.body
Here is a list of coping skills that you can try when in a crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sharing is caring.

No matter how mentally healthy, resilient, or happy you are, there comes a time in every person's life when he or she will need to cope with something difficult. Coping is something we all do, whether we do it consciously or without thinking.

It's watching a funny movie when we're sad, calling a friend to help you get through a breakup, or going out for a drink after a work day that didn't go well.

Some ways we cope are healthy and build resilience, while others simply help us avoid the real problems or encourage destructive behavior.

In this piece, we'll provide tons of examples of healthy coping techniques, a few examples of some negative coping methods, and some worksheets that can help you learn how to cope in a more positive way.
The Positive Psychology Toolkit Become a Science-Based Practitioner!
60+ Essential Positive Coping Skills

There are nearly infinite ways to cope. We all use different methods that suit our unique personalities and needs. You may find that what causes stress in one individual will help another to cope.

It's not important whether you cope like everyone else; all that matters is that you find effective coping methods that will help you build resilience and thrive!
Diversions:
That being said, don't beat yourself up if you just need a little distraction sometimes. Below, you'll find Blake Flannery's (2016) master list of coping methods and skills organized into categories. Whatever you need in the moment, there is probably at least one activity mentioned below that will help!
Social/Interpersonal Coping:

Write, draw, paint, photography

Play an instrument, sing, dance, act

Take a shower or a bath

Garden

Take a walk, or go for a drive

Watch television or a movie

Watch cute kitten videos on YouTube

Play a game

Go shopping

Clean or organize your environment

Take a break or vacation

Cognitive Coping:

Talk to someone you trust

Set boundaries and say "no"

Write a note to someone you care about

Be assertive

Use humor

Spend time with friends and/or family

Serve someone in need

Care for or play with a pet

Role-play challenging situations with others

Encourage others

Tension Releasers:

Brainstorm solutions

Lower your expectations of the situation

Keep an inspirational quote with you

Be flexible

Write a list of goals

Take a class Act opposite of negative feelings

Write a list of pros and cons for decisions

Reward or pamper yourself when successful

Write a list of strengths

Accept a challenge with a positive attitude

Physical:

Exercise or play sports

Catharsis (yelling in the bathroom, punching a punching bag)

Cry

Spiritual:

Get enough sleep

Eat healthy foods

Get into a good routine

Eat a little chocolate

Limit caffeine

Limit Setting:

Pray or meditate

Enjoy nature

Get involved in a worthy cause

Drop some involvement

Prioritize important tasks

Use assertive communication

Schedule time for yourself

The Mental Health Wellness Week (MHWW) website also lists some coping skills, some that are positive and encourage mental health, and others that are destructive or used to avoid your problems.

The good coping skills include:

Meditation and relaxation techniques

Having time to yourself

Physical activity or exercise

Reading

Spending time with friends

Finding humor

Spending time on your hobbies

Spirituality

Quality time with your pets

Getting a good night's sleep

Eating healthy

Negative coping skills include:

Drugs

Excessive alcohol

Self-mutilation

Ignoring or bottling up feelings

Taking sedatives

Taking stimulants

Working too much

Avoiding your problems

Denial

Aside from using the positive coping methods, the MHWW website also suggests ten tips you can put to use to strengthen your mental state and build resilience to life's stressors:

Build up your confidence

Accept compliments when they are given to you

Be sure to make time for your loved ones

Give support to others when needed and accept support from others when needed

Create and stick to a realistic budget

Volunteer in your community

Find ways to manage your stress on a regular basis

Share your burdens with others, especially those who have been through the same things

Identify and address your shifting moods

Learn how to be at peace with yourself

While none of these tips are easy to follow, they are sure to provide you with the strength and resilience you need to navigate difficult times in your life (MHWW.org).

If you're still looking for more coping methods, see this list of 99 - yes, 99 - ways to cope. This resource also has suggestions for positive coping, as well as a quick three minute video on feeling stressed or anxious.

6 Coping Skills Worksheets for Adults

There are tons of great coping worksheets out there, but we don't want this post to stretch on to infinity, so we'll just list a few of the best ones here.

My Strengths

This worksheet is a bright and colorful one that can be put to use for adolescents, teens, and adults who have dealt with trauma in their past.

The first part instructs you to list five strengths you already have.

The second provides space to answer the question "Which strengths helped me deal with my trauma experience?"

The third section has space for you to list up to five strengths you have gained because of the traumatic experience.

The final section gives you an opportunity to write down how you feel about your new strengths.

This worksheet can help you see the silver lining of your traumatic experience, and appreciate the good that has come out of the bad.

Masking Your Feelings

This worksheet encourages you to think about how you carefully manicure your presentation to others. It explains that we all "wear masks" at one point or another in order to hide our true feelings from others and pretend to feel something we don't really feel.

It presents some examples of imaginary masks, like acting fine when you don't feel fine or acting angry when you really feel hurt.

Now, the creative part: at the end of the worksheet, there is space to draw the mask or masks you frequently use to hide your feelings.

This worksheet can be helpful for older kids and for adults, since we all wear masks sometimes. Put your creativity and imagination to use, and think of all the times you put on a "mask" to hide how you feel.

Click here to see this worksheet and give it a try.

My Personal Coping Skills List

This colorful worksheet allows you to list the coping methods in several categories that work for you.

The categories include:

Distraction

Grounding

Emotional Release

Self-Love

Thought Challenge

Access to Your Higher Self

In the distraction section, you can write down the skills and techniques that are most helpful for distracting you from negative and/or irrational thoughts.

In the grounding section, you will list the ways that you can ground yourself in the moment and keep your mind focused on what is happening around you. Mindfulness techniques are a great way to do this!

The emotional release category includes actions that help you vent, express your feelings, and move on, like screaming into a pillow or punching a punching bag.

The self-love section is where you can write down how you successfully practice self-compassion and show yourself appreciation, like treating yourself to a massage or writing down good things about yourself.

In the thought challenge section, you can list the ways that you can effectively challenge the negative and unhelpful thoughts that arise. Replacing these with positive and realistic thoughts can be a great coping tool.

The section on accessing your higher self is for techniques and exercises you do that help you feel like your best self. For example, this may be volunteering for others or working on extending compassion to everyone around you.

If you aren't great at the skills in any of these categories, that's okay! Just write down why you struggle with it and what you plan to do to improve your skills.

Click here to see an example of this worksheet.

Coping with Stress Worksheets 1 & 2

Kirsten Schuder, a mental health professional, lists several handy worksheets for coping with stress in this article.

First, Worksheet 1 will allow you to list all the physiological signs and symptoms of stress, brainstorm some common responses to stress, and rate your levels of stress with each event or situation that can act as a trigger. This worksheet is a great way to begin dealing with your stress.

1. The first column is where you list potentially triggering situations, like traffic.

2. The second column is where you list the physical symptoms of stress that the situation can make you feel.

3. In the third column, you list the accompanying emotional responses to stress.

4. Finally, you rate your stress level from 1 to 10 in the fourth column.

Worksheet 2 will help you to brainstorm new and healthier ways to cope with your stress.

1. In the first section, you will define potentially triggering situations, both those that you have control over and those that you do not have control over.

2. In the second section, you will list the ways that you can control the situation or identify why you cannot control it.

3. In the third section, you have space to write how you can cope with your situation in the moment.

4. The final section allows you to brainstorm ways to cope with the situation that can reduce or eliminate your stress.

After describing these worksheets, Schuder also addresses how you can identify healthy boundaries for yourself, list the unhealthy coping methods that you may find yourself drawn to, and find ways to cope that are healthy and effective.

These worksheets will help you come up with a solid and well thought-out plan for dealing with stress and overcoming urges to cope in unhealthy ways.

Decatastrophizing

This is a great worksheet for anyone suffering from panic or anxiety that leads you to imagine the worst possible outcomes.

In the first section of the worksheet, you will list the catastrophe you are afraid of and rate how bad you think it will be on a scale from 0 to 100.

In the second section, you will answer the following questions:

How likely is this event to happen?

How awful would it be if this did happen?

Just supposing the worst did happen, what would I do to cope?

In the last section, you have space to list the positive and reassuring things you want to say to yourself about the "catastrophe" now that you have answered all of the questions above. Finally, you will rate how bad you think this catastrophe will be once more.

Simply answering these questions and thinking through the likelihood and possible outcomes of the catastrophe you are fixated on can help you decrease your anxiety about this potential situation significantly.

Click here if you'd like to give this worksheet a try.

If you're still hungry for more coping worksheets, check out this giant PDF with tons of resources to help you cope with any problem you may be experiencing.

Printable Coping Skills Worksheets for Youth

Since kids are unfortunately not immune to stress, coping is something they must learn as well. They may not have the same stressors as adults, but their problems are just as difficult to face as the problems of their elders.

This website is an excellence resource for learning about kids and coping. It emphasizes that good coping skills must be learned, no one is born with all the coping skills they will need.

Coping skills can be learned in many ways:

By observing others, including parents, other family members, friends or classmates, teachers and other adults in the learning environment, and from entertainment.

Through trial and error - we all need to learn what methods work best for us, which can only be accomplished through testing different methods and reflecting on our results.

Through education programs, especially those geared towards teens and pre-teens; starting early can have a huge impact on coping skills later in life.

We can't put learning methods 1 or 2 to use in this article, but we can make suggestions for educational worksheets and tools. Some of the best coping worksheets for kids are listed below. All of these worksheets can be found at this website.

Coping Worksheets for Young Children (under 10)

To help children identify and work through difficult feelings, it can help to engage them in a fun activity. They may not be having fun when they start, but they just might be laughing again when they finish.

Body Outline

This worksheet is a simple one - it's just an outline of a body!

The companion worksheet includes the instructions for putting the body outline to use. There are many ways to use this worksheet, including having your child draw what different emotions look like, drawing a diary of their school day, and splitting the outline in half with a vertical line to compare the good and bad things they have heard, seen, or done recently.

There is also a suggestion box for what to focus on in each part of the body outline:

Head - ideas, worries, hopes, and fears

Eyes - sights (past, present, and future)

Ears - sounds (past, present, and future)

Mouth - spoken words (past, present, and future)

Hands - Actions

Chest - Feelings

Stomach - Instincts, urges, "I wanted to..."

Feet - Movement

The best opportunity this worksheet presents is to talk through whatever your child draws. Even if it doesn't make sense to you, let your child draw or write whatever comes to them and encourage them to discuss it with you.

Deep Breathing

Breathing exercises are a great way to fight stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. The potential benefits are not exclusive to adults - kids can get in on this practice too.

This worksheet outlines the steps you can read aloud with your child. If you want to see all of them, click the link, but we'll outline the exercise here:

Share with your child how deep breathing can help when you're angry or nervous.

Help them focus their attention on their breathing.

Instruct them to get into a good posture for deep breathing (sitting up straight, feet on the floor)

Walk them through the long, slow breaths.

Do five deep breaths together.

Encourage them to practice deep breathing regularly, and practice it with them.

This easy, simple, and free coping method is a win for both parent and child!

Spaghetti Body

Another exercise borrowed from mindfulness training, the "spaghetti body" is simply a child's version of the body relaxation technique.

This worksheet is also an exercise that you can walk your child through, following the instructions along with them.

Again, you can click the link above to see the full set of steps, but the gist of the worksheet can be summed up as:

Explain that your body can get tight when you are stressed or anxious

Compare a relaxed body to wet spaghetti noodles

Walk your child through tightening and flexing their whole body

Switch back and forth between instructing your child to scrunch and tighten one part of their body, then loosen it to the "spaghetti" state

Tell your child how this exercise can help them relax and encourage them to practice it regularly

This is a great exercise to join in on with your child. If they're having trouble with any of the steps, it may help to model the steps for them.

The Turtle

Be sure to explain that this exercise is called "the turtle" but there is no actual turtle involved, or you may be dealing with a disappointed child!

This exercise will involve body relaxation as well as self-compassion.

To begin, follow these steps:

Have your child stand with their feet a little bit apart and shoulders tall.

Tell them to crouch down so their bottom is all the way down to their heels and wrap their arms around their legs.

Next, they should put their chin or nose on their knees, if that feels comfortable.

Finally, the fun part! While in this position, have your child give him- or herself a big, warm hug. They can do this as long as they need to in order to feel safe and happy.

Encourage them to practice this exercise frequently.

Again, feel free to walk through this technique with your child, for both your benefit and theirs.

Coping Worksheets for Older Children and Teens (10 and up)

Kids and adolescents over 10 have a wider range of possibilities when it comes to understanding and learning coping methods. With that in mind, you can try one of these worksheets that are geared towards more mature youth.

Boiling Pans

This worksheet uses the metaphor of boiling pots for feeling overly stressed, angry, or anxious. There are three columns with pots, one at a simmer, one at a rolling boil, and one boiling over.

There are two rows, one labeled "My Coping Skills" and "How Adults Help Me."

For the first row, the goal listed underneath the simmering pot is to simply keep it simmering! The goal for the rolling boil is to return it to a simmer. The goal for the boiling over pot is also to return it to a simmer, although it will be more difficult at this point.

In the second row, the goal listed under the simmering pot is to maintain the simmer, to keep it going smoothly. The goal under the rolling boil is to lower the heat, stir the food, or add something to decrease the boil. The goal under the boiling over pot is to immediately remove the pan from the heat, protect anyone nearby from accidental spills, and call for help in the kitchen.

These two rows and goals correspond to the responsibilities of both the child and the adult when stress, anxiety, or anger take over. The child is responsible for bringing their boiling "pot" back to a simmer, and the adult's responsibility is to aid them in their goal.

The child can use this worksheet by writing down some coping skills for each situation. In the first column with the simmering pot, they can write coping methods that help them maintain their happy thoughts and good mood. Under the second pot, they should write ways to cope when they're feeling a little off or out of sorts. For the third pot, they must identify some of the most powerful coping skills at their disposal, especially ones that work fast, like deep breathing and sharing their feelings with an adult.

They also have an opportunity to tell the adults in their life how they can help when the pot is starting to boil. For each situation, they can write down things that an adult can do to help maintain their happy mood, calm them down, or help them address some really bad moods.

This worksheet is a great way for kids to think and plan ahead for stressful and difficult situations that will arise, but it's also a great way for them to let adults in on how they're feeling and what they need when the going gets tough. Complete this exercise with your child, and you will learn about how to help them when they need you most.

Imagery

This is another technique that is frequently used by adults to address stress, anxiety, or anger. Employing imagery when you are feeling overwhelmed can be a great way to take you back to feeling calm and collected. Kids are especially good at using imagery, with their vivid imagination and frequent practice.

This worksheet lists three main ways to use imagery, although there are many ways to use it, and two of the key factors to using it effectively.

The two keys to effective imagery are:

1) Using all of your senses to fully immerse yourself in the imagery.

2) Breathing deeply and calmly throughout the exercise.

Three great ways to employ imagery are:

1. Imagining a relaxing place

This can be a place you have been, a place you have soon in pictures or in movies, or a place you think up all on your own. It is a safe place where you feel happy and comfortable. Maybe it's a beach, a forest meadow, or a fun family vacation spot. Wherever it is, the goal is to focus all of your senses on this place, and use your full imagination to go there in your mind.

2. Imagining a soothing person

Soothing people can be a great thing for kids to imagine when they are stressed or upset. This could be a trusted friend, an adult who makes you feel safe, a fictional character you like, or even a higher power if you believe in one. Whoever you choose to imagine, focus your attention on what they look like, what they say, and what it feels like to be with them.

3. Imagining a secret lockbox

Secret lockboxes are places in your mind where you keep the memories, thoughts, and dreams that are most special to you. It is a safe place where you can visit whenever you want, but no one else can get in. Imagine the lockbox in your mind, and construct a clear picture of what it looks like. Next, think about how it is secured. Maybe it requires a key, a code, or magic words to open. Maybe it's hidden somewhere difficult to reach, like on top of a mountain or at the bottom of the sea. Imagine yourself opening the box and looking through it to remember all of the good things you put in there.

Imagery can be a powerful tool, especially in a particularly difficult moment. Encourage your child to put their imagination to good use.

Plus & Minus

If you have a child that loves making lists, thinking about pros and cons, or just coming at a problem with a well thought-out plan, they will love this worksheet.

The Pluses & Minuses worksheet helps kids to think through a difficult decision by listing the pluses and minuses, or pros and cons, of each choice.

For each choice, the worksheet provides space to write down the pluses and minuses of choosing each option and the pluses and minuses of NOT choosing each option.

It's a simple worksheet but it can be a great help when faced with difficult decisions. Help your child complete this worksheet, making suggestions if they can't think of any, and you can be involved with some good decision-making practice.

Relaxation

This is a slightly more mature version of the relaxation exercises for younger children, and much closer to the adult version of relaxation techniques.

It's called Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and it can be done anywhere and anytime your child feels overwhelmed with emotion.

The full steps can be seen here, but this is the basic outline:

Sit or stand tall, but comfortably, and close your eyes.

Take three deep breaths through your nose.

Start from your feet and work your way up to your head, totally relaxing all the muscles in each area.

If you want to, you can take another relaxing sweep from your head back down to your feet.

Remember that this practice, like many others, is most effective when you do it regularly.

You can also walk through this exercise with your child and get double the relaxation!

Other Coping Skills

These are just a few of the coping skills kids can use to deal with stress, anxiety, anger, and other difficult emotions. For more ideas, see the following websites:

Coping Skills Worksheets for Mental Illness

Coping with mental illness can be extremely difficult, but many of us will experience it at one point or another in our lives. Given this reality, it is essential to learn the skills and tools we can use to combat the negative effects of mental illness before it strikes.

Depression

There are several effective ways to cope with depression, many of them borrowed from cognitive behavioral therapy. The three worksheets below should help you deal with the difficult feelings that come with depression.

Simple Thought Record

Sometimes all we need to face our negative thoughts and feelings is to identify and confront them. This simple worksheet is a good way to do that.

There are only three columns:

1) Situation (who, what, when, where)

2) Feelings (what you felt, how strongly you felt it)

3) Thoughts (what was going through your mind, thoughts or images)

In the first column, write down what happened to trigger a negative reaction. In the second column, note the emotions you were feeling and rate them on intensity from 0 to 100. In the final column, enter what thoughts and images came to mind as you dealt with this negative reaction. Did anything pop up that was unwelcome or seemingly came out of nowhere?

Simply identifying what is happening to us when we are stressed and upset is the first step towards successfully addressing it.

Click here to give this worksheet a try.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

This worksheet describes the problem with those pesky negative and irrational thoughts that plague all of us from time to time.

When we are feeling depressed, it's much more difficult to push these thoughts to the side or challenge them, but these questions can help:

Is there substantial evidence for my thought?

Is there evidence contrary to my thought?

Am I attempting to interpret this situation without all the evidence?

What would a friend think about this situation?

If I look at the situation positively, how is it different?

Will this matter a year from now? How about five years from now?

Asking yourself these simple but telling questions can help you move from fretting to feeling good! Or, at least feeling better.

Check out this worksheet here.

This coping method is more of a long-term, maintenance method than an in-the-moment way to feel better, but it can be a powerful tool nonetheless.

Simply noticing the good things in your life is a great way to protect yourself against the negative. Acknowledging the positive can construct a buffer of "good" around you that makes it harder for the "bad" to get in.

The exercise is simple: you just write down what you are grateful for!

This worksheet provides space for up to five good things for each day of the week. It's recommended to do this exercise at night, but anytime that works best for you is fine.

Give this exercise a try, and encourage the flow of gratitude!

Anxiety

Anxiety is another common problem we face. Usually, we experience anxiety as a normal part of life and we are very effective at combating it, but when it gets to be too much to deal with, there are many coping methods at our disposal.

Interoceptive Exposure
Breathing
This worksheet provides several different ways to combat anxiety and panic on the spot. If you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, give one of these activities a try:
Physical Exercise

1. Overbreathing (breathing forcefully, fast and deep)

2. Breathe through a straw (hold your nose and breathe only through the straw in your mouth)

3. Hold your breath (for 30 seconds or however long works for you)

Spinning and Shaking

1. Run quickly on the spot, lifting your knees

2. Step up and down on a stair (you can hold a handrail for balance)

3. Tense all the muscles in your body

Head Rush

1. Sit in an office chair and spin as fast as you can

2. Spin around while standing (but keep a chair handy to sit in after!)

3. Shake your head from side to side then look straight ahead with open eyes

Unreality

1. Put your head between your legs then sit up quickly

2. Lie down and relax for at least one minute then sit up quickly

1. Stare at yourself in a mirror without blinking for two minutes

2. Stare at a blank wall, concentrating hard

3. Stare at a fluorescent light for one minute, then try to read something

These activities, as silly as they may seem, can help snap you out of an anxiety episode or panic.

Once you try them, use the second column labeled "Symptoms & Thoughts" to record how you felt and what you were thinking during the activity. Next, rate your anxiety after completing the activity on a scale from 0 to 100.

To give this worksheet a try, click here.

What If?

For this worksheet, you will think of different outcomes that may result from things that can happen to you, one positive and one negative.

We often get bogged down with worrying thoughts about all the bad things that can happen, but this exercise can help balance out the thoughts. Think of it as coming up with a "glass half full" way to think about things as well as a "glass half empty" one.

The worksheet is simple, with only two columns:

1) Negative "What if...?"

2) Positive "What if...?"

On each side, write down the possible outcomes of the same situation. For example, if you are nervous about giving a presentation, you might write "What if I freeze and can't speak?" on the left side, and "What if I do well?" or "What if I stumble, but laugh about it?" on the right.

This exercise can help you balance out the good and bad potential outcomes, and take on a more realistic outlook. Click here to give it a try.

Bipolar Disorder

Another common ailment is bipolar disorder, a disorder that can cause depression as well as sudden and intense mood and energy swings. Many of the worksheets for depression can help, but there are a couple that are especially helpful for those struggling with bipolar disorder.

Saying No to Negative Thinking

This worksheet is another simple one, with only three columns:

1) Negative Thought

2) Rational Response

3) New Thought

The goal of this technique is to challenge your negative and/or irrational thoughts and replace them with a new, more positive and more realistic thought.

First, you write down the negative thought that is nagging at you, like "Everyone hates me."

Next, you write down the rational response, perhaps something like "There are 7 billion people in the world, and there's no way they all hate me."

Finally, you write down a new thought to replace the negative one, such as "Some people may not like me, but that's okay because I like me."

To learn more about this technique and see an example worksheet, click here.

Coping Resources Worksheet

This is a great way to identify the sources of your stress and sadness, some resources you can use to help you cope, some of the barriers you have run into that hinder coping, and the strategies you can use to overcome the barriers.

This worksheet can be considered a master plan for combating stress caused by any mental health issues, including depression, anger, anxiety, or irrational thinking.

There are four columns:

1) Psychosocial problems & stressors

2) Coping resources

3) Barriers to effective coping

4) Strategies for overcoming barriers

The first column is split into three parts, current problems and stressors, recent past problems and stressors, and anticipated future problems and stressors. Write down at least one problem or stressor in each category.

The second column is where you can identify the resources that help you cope (perhaps some of these worksheets could make the cut for inclusion!). This can be coping skills, exercises, and techniques that you have found to be helpful.

The third column is your space for thinking of the things that can get in the way of your coping, like strict deadlines at work, tensions in your personal relationships, etc.

The final column provides space to write down how you can address these barriers to effective coping, like planning ahead to increase the chances of meeting those deadlines or attending couples counseling to address the problems in your relationship before they get in the way of coping.

Substance Abuse, Recovery & Relapse Prevention Worksheets

Substance abuse can be such a huge drain on our energy, our resources, and our relationships. Even though we all know that these negative effects are potential outcomes of substance abuse, the addiction can make it extremely difficult to pull away.

These worksheets are intended to help you face this challenge head on, although they should not be used in place of interacting with a qualified professional. Hopefully, they can be a useful complement to professional treatment.

Multimodal Treatment Plan

This worksheet is a great way to start your journey towards wellness. It can be employed for just about any behavioral or mental health problem, including substance abuse and addiction. Of course, it should complement treatment from a qualified professional rather than standing on its own.

It lists the seven different modes or factors that influence recovery, provides space to write down the problems you have in these areas, and prompts you to decide what you need to stop or do less of and what you need to start or do more of to facilitate recovery.

The seven modes include:

1. Behavior (actions, coping strategies, what you do or avoid doing)

2. Affect/Emotions (what you feel and what makes you feel this way)

3. Sensations (what you see, hear, taste, smell, touch, what makes you feel pain or tension, your sexuality)

4. Imagery (the pictures in your mind, your self-image, fantasies)

5. Cognition (thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, values, opinions, and thought patterns)

6. Interpersonal (communication with others, relationships)

7. Drugs/Biology (physical exercise, diet, sexual health, substance use)

In each mode, identify the problems you encounter. For example, if you are struggling with substance abuse, you might write "putting myself in dangerous situations" for the behavior modality, or "wanting to use when I get depressed" in the affect/emotions category.

For each modality, think of the problems you face and make a plan to stop or do less of the things that do not facilitate your recovery, and start or do more of the things that do facilitate your recovery.

You can access the worksheet here.

Craving Diary

This worksheet can be an extremely useful resource for identifying when and why the strongest cravings come on, which is the first step to learning how to effectively combat them.

In the first column, identify the situation in which a craving arose, including what happened, where you were, when it occurred, and who you were with.

The second column is where you write down the thoughts that went through your mind when the craving hit, like "I'm weak and I'm useless, I might as well give in."

The third column is for feelings, where you identify the emotions and physical sensations you felt when the craving hit. You might write something like "knot in my stomach, hopeless."

The fourth column provides space to rate the intensity of your craving from 0 to 100.

The final column is the most important one. This is where you brainstorm an alternative, more balanced thought and coping response. For example, you might write something like "I overreacted to the situation. It was only a small issue. Next time I can practice deep breathing to work through it."

This worksheet can help you find out when you tend to be most vulnerable to cravings and gives you a chance to put together a plan of action for when the next craving hits.

Relapse Prevention Plan

This worksheet can be an excellent resource for outlining a plan to keep you clean and sober.

The first part provides space for you to list up to three coping skills that can help you resist temptation to use again.

The second part instructs you to list three people that can provide you with the critical social support you may need when you are most vulnerable.

The third section encourages you to think about the consequences of your actions, either way. On one side, you can write down the potential outcomes of relapsing. On the other, you can list the potential outcomes of staying sober. This is a simple but powerful way to compare your two possible futures, and help you to see which one is more appealing.

The final section contains tips to help you avoid relapse, like distracting yourself from cravings and avoiding situations that will put you at risk of relapsing.

Click here to download this worksheet.

For more information on coping with substance abuse and addiction, check out these websites and worksheets:

1. http://www.smartrecovery.org/resources/toolchest.htm

2. Substance Abuse Client Workbook

3. http://www.oxfordclinicalpsych.com/view/10.1093/med:psych/9780195307740.001.0001/med-9780195307740-appendix-2

A Take Home Message

I hope you take away from this piece the message that there are hundreds of good ways to cope when you face challenging or demotivating situations. You may have learned a few new ways to cope, or you may have realized that some of the ways you cope are not healthy or constructive - don't worry, we all have a few unhealthy coping mechanisms!

Whatever you were looking for in this piece, I hope I have provided the tools and information you need to take your coping skills from "good enough" to "great"!

Thank you for reading, and please feel free to leave us yours thoughts on this piece below. Are there other ways to cope that you like to use? Do you have any tips for making sure that you cope in a healthy way?

References

http://au.reachout.com

www.copingskills4kids.net

Flannery, B. (2016, December 18). A list of coping skills for anger, anxiety, and depression. Heal Dove. Retrieved from https://healdove.com/mental-health/Coping-Strategies-Skills-List-Positive-Negative-Anger-Anxiety-Depression-Copers

www.getselfhelp.co.uk

www.mhww.org www.psychologytools.com

Schuder, K. Coping skills worksheets for adults. Love to Know. Retrieved from http://stress.lovetoknow.com/stress-management-techniques/coping-skills-worksheets-adults

http://theplumtree.net/

www.therapistaid.com

www.unstressyourself.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10+ Coping Skills Worksheets for Adults and Youth (+ PDFs)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sharing is caring. No matter how mentally healthy, resilient, or happy you are, there comes a time in every person's life when he or she will need to cope with something difficult. Coping is something we all do, whether we do it consciously or without thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
They are also a good place to find a support group.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Who should use support groups?

Support groups are offered as a space where individuals can come together to share their stories, experiences, and lives in a way that helps reduce isolation and loneliness. Oftentimes, we think we are struggling alone, but support groups help us see that there are others who may dealing with similar situations and who in turn can help us get better.

Support groups are open to anyone, but they are often focused on specific topics (i.e. depression, family, divorce, grief, etc.). So, take some time and do some research to find the right one for you and your current situation.

Finding the right support group can be helpful. Do not be discouraged if the first support group you find doesn't quite feel right. You should feel comfortable in the support group space that you choose, so trying different ones may help you determine the best fit.

We also encourage you to also take a look at Mental Health America's LiveYourLifeWell program to learn more about the value of connecting with others and other helpful wellness tools.

Can I access support groups online?

Some organizations now offer online support groups, discussion boards, blogs, and online communities as additional ways to connect with others in similar situations. These can be helpful additions to in-person support groups and can be especially helpful if there are no groups in your area.

Mental Health America has its own support community through Inspire which enables individuals to connect on a variety of issues and topics related to mental health.

Where can I find a support group to attend locally?

Your local Mental Health America affiliate is an excellent resource to assist you in finding support groups in your area.

The National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Group Clearinghouse also maintains a Directory of Consumer-Driven Services which includes peer-run organizations throughout the United States that offer a variety of supportive services and activities, including peer-run support groups.

Additional resources

In addition to the resources listed above, the resources below are divided into three main sections - Specialized support group resources, Other helpful resources, and National Toll-Free 24 hour hotlines. We encourage you to take a look at all of these sections since there are many helpful resources in each of them.

Specialized support group resources include:

Recovery International

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Al-Anon/Alateen

Alcoholics Anonymous

AlcoholScreening.org

Alzheimer's Association

American Association of Retired Persons Grief and Loss Information

American Association of Suicidology: Support for family/friends that have lost a loved one to suicide

Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Anxiety and Depression Association of America peer-to-peer support group

Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Autism Society of America

The Balanced Mind Foundation

Brain Injury Association of America

Caregiver Action Network

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) In addition to support groups, CHADD has a section for parents which includes many helpful resources (look at list of options on right-hand side of the page) and a link that explains their Parent to Parent Family Training classes. For more information about these on-line training classes, review the information at the link we've provided or contact the CHADD national resource center at 1-800-233-4050.

Co-Dependents Anonymous or sign up for their email list. You can also visit http://www.codependents.org/

The Compassionate Friends Grief Support: After the death of a child (Use this link to find groups in your area)

CoSLAA Support groups for family and friends of people who have a sex addiction

Crisis Text Line

Debtors Anonymous

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Dual Diagnosis of Oregon, Inc. (Although based in Oregon, offer support to those in other areas who wish to establish groups to help those who have both a mental health and alcohol/substance abuse condition)

Dual Recovery Anonymous: Support for those who have both a mental health and alcohol/substance abuse condition

Emotions Anonymous: Modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program, Emotions Anonymous is open to any individual dealing with emotional difficulties.

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, a parent support and advocacy network

Freedom from Fear (In addition to finding support groups, you can use the Finding Help/Resources tab on left hand side to access on-line support, e-mail support, and blogs)

Gamblers Anonymous

Gift from Within: Article for partners (Support for both men and women with post-traumatic stress disorder. Use the Trauma Support tab at the top of the page to access a wide variety of support options.)

Hospice Foundation of America (Grief and Loss section includes link to find a local hospice office using link from left-hand side of the page; many offices offer grief support groups. National hospice office can be reached by calling 1-800-868-5171.)

International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation

International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

Male Survivor (Discussion board and chat room for men who have been sexually abused can be accessed from Survivors tab on left hand side of the page)

Narcotics Anonymous

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A family support and advocacy organization

National Eating Disorders Association

O.A.S.I.S.@MAAP (Autism and Asperger Syndrome support group information for both individuals and their family/friends; Support groups tab accessible from left-hand side of the page)

Overeaters Anonymous Offer in-person, telephone, and on-line meetings

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

Postpartum Support International and link to support resources in your area (National 24-hour Postpartum Depression Helpline 1.800.944.4PPD)

S-Anon International Family Groups Support groups for family and friends of people who have a sex addiction

Self Mutilators Anonymous

Sex Addicts Anonymous (description of organization) and find a meeting link http://www.sexaa.org/Meetings/UnitedStates/

Sidran Institute (Extensive information and resources on ptsd, dissociative disorder, trauma, and self injury; e-mail or call 1-888-825-8249 to request support group information)

Survivors of Incest Anonymous (Use the SIA Groups and Intergroups options on the left-hand side of the home page to find meeting information)

The Arc (Support and information for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families) To find a chapter near click here.

Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.

TARA Association for Personality Disorder: National Borderline Personality Disorder Resource and Referral Center

The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Well Spouse Association Support for spousal caregivers.

Witness Justice (Information, resources, and on-line support for victims of violence or trauma, their family and friends, and professionals)

Other helpful resources include:

"After An Attempt" A practical guide developed for individuals who have attempted suicide, their family/friends, and for mental health professionals.

Air Compassion for Veterans for injured veteran's ongoing healing process.

American Association of Caregiving Youth gives support to individuals under 18 years of age who are caregivers.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has chapters around the country and offers a variety of information and support resources for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

ARCH National Respite Network

Armed Services YMCA

ATTACh at 866-453-8224 (Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children)

Behavioral Tech, LLC (Information and resources for people with borderline personality disorder and their friends and family)

Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (formerly known as NARSAD, has information about schizophrenia and depression for individuals and their families)

Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center

Cause USA Comfort for America's Uniformed Services (help for those wounded in military service)

Families for Depression Awareness (Information about depression and bipolar disorder including how to help someone who is depressed seek treatment and manage treatment, information for friends and family members about taking care of themselves, downloadable Wellness Guides, as well as free brochures including "Helping Someone Who Is Depressed")

Gateway to PTSD Information

Geriatric Mental Health Foundation offers information on caregiving, mental health topics relating to older adults, and a Depression Recovery Toolkit.

GLBT National Help Center at 1-888-843-4564 (adults) and 1-800-246-7743 (adolescents) Provides telephone and e-mail peer counseling as well as information and resources.

Hazelden offers a helpful question and answers section for friends and family members who care about someone who has an alcohol or substance abuse problem. They also offer an extensive separate website that focuses on co-occurring disorders (when someone has both a mental health condition and an alcohol or substance abuse condition)

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. JAN's mission is to faciitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, entrepreneurship, and related subjects.

National Center for PTSD offers "Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Personnel"

National Center for Trauma Informed Care (NCTIC)

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder 914-835-9011

S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Information and resources for help with self injury)

Schizophrenia.com

Self Inflicted Violence (Website includes link to sample newsletter The Cutting Edge)

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Survivors Art Foundation (For trauma survivors)

U.S. Vets (A non-profit organization that helps homeless veterans access mental health and substance abuse services along with housing and other community supports to achieve successful reintegration into the community.)

Yellow Ribbon offers information and resources about suicide prevention for teens, parents, and others. Has chapters in many states and some other countries as well as support resources for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

National Toll-Free 24 Hour Hotlines:

Child-Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) Assists both child and adult survivors of abuse, including sexual abuse. The hotline, staffed by mental health professionals, also provides treatment referrals.

Covenant House Nineline at 1-800-999-9999 Crisis counselors are available to talk to homeless individuals and at-risk kids; also offer an on-line forum.

Boys Town at 1-800-448-3000 Crisis, resource, and referral line that assists both teens and parents

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) connects you with a 24 hour crisis center

SAMHSA's Treatment Locator at 1-800-662-4357 provides you with information about local mental health services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Who should use support groups? Support groups are offered as a space where individuals can come together to share their stories, experiences, and lives in a way that helps reduce isolation and loneliness. Oftentimes, we think we are struggling alone, but support groups help us see that there are others who may dealing with similar situations and who in turn can help us get better.

# data[].attributes.body
Mental Health America is a wonderful resource and place to start.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Being told that you have a mental illness is not the end of the world, however. With help and support, you can recover and achieve your life's ambitions. Of course, you will face many challenges as you begin your treatment, but there is hope. Mental illnesses are manageable. And there are a number of things you can do for yourself after a diagnosis to cope with the news, keep up with your treatment, and support your own recovery.

Be hopeful.

Above all else, it's important to maintain a positive outlook. Here are a few things to keep in mind throughout your treatment and recovery:

You are not alone in this experience. Mental illnesses are common, affecting one in every five Americans.

You can improve and achieve your goals. Today, many people who are diagnosed with serious mental illnesses are managing their conditions and regaining control of their lives.

You can and should play an active role in your treatment. And the more informed you are about your illness and treatment options, the better you'll be able to direct your recovery.

Learn all you can about your diagnosis.

If you're ready, do some research on your particular illness, the recommended treatments, and other self-help ideas. The more you learn, the better you'll be in working with your doctor and making decisions that feel right for you.

Again, talk to people who have had similar experiences, or mental health professionals you know and trust. The Internet can be a great resource for information about mental illnesses and treatment options. There are a number of websites, including Mental Health America's, which can give you additional information. However, beware of websites that offer quick fixes or don't reveal their sources.

Get emotional support.

An important step in coping with a diagnosis is finding emotional support. Talk to friends and family members you feel close to and trust. They care about you and want to help you recover. Discuss your feelings about the diagnosis and any treatments or services that have been recommended. Don't be afraid to let people know how to help you. This support will be important, both as you begin your recovery and when you have to deal with any setbacks along the way.

Also, you may want to meet people who have already been through what you are currently experiencing. This can help you prepare for what's ahead and help you avoid any problems others may have been through in their recovery. Seek out self- help groups and support organizations that can reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Understand your health care options.

Getting the services you need and paying for them can be a challenge. Your options may be limited by whether or not you have insurance, the type of insurance you have (private, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare), and the amount of coverage your plan provides for mental health care. There also may be a shortage of mental health professionals where you live, and it can be tough to get an appointment. But, remember, there are options. Follow the steps below to learn more about your options:

If you're employed and have a health plan, call your health insurer to see if they cover mental health services. Then find out which mental health professionals in your area are willing to accept payment from your insurance plan. If your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they can also help you find services you can afford.

If you get health care through a government program like Medicaid or Medicare, you should contact a community mental health center or local health department to see which doctors or programs accept this form of health insurance.

If you don't have health insurance, ask your community mental health center about reduced-cost (or sliding- scale fee) mental health services.

Develop a partnership with your doctor and/or therapist.

Once you have received a diagnosis and are in contact with a doctor or a mental health professional, here's what you need to know about making the most of these relationships from the start:

Make sure it's the right fit for you. If possible, interview multiple providers; don't be afraid to meet with more than one. You'll want to find a doctor, mental health professional or peer counselor with whom you can relate. Ask them about their style of treatment and experiences helping other people with your particular illness.

Be open with your doctor or therapist. Share how you're really feeling. Go to your appointments with a list of questions you may have about your diagnosis and the therapies that are being proposed. After starting a course of treatment, you should begin to notice changes: relief from your symptoms, more self-assurance, and greater ability to make decisions. You should tell the doctor or therapist about your progress, or if you are having any problems. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns.

Involve your family and friends in your treatment, if you're comfortable with that. Invite them to accompany you to an appointment or to sit in on a therapy session.

Getting the right help requires perseverance and self-advocacy. Take advantage of the options you have and continue to search for other ways to meet your needs. Remember - getting back to your life is the goal of recovery!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Being told that you have a mental illness is not the end of the world, however. With help and support, you can recover and achieve your life's ambitions. Of course, you will face many challenges as you begin your treatment, but there is hope. Mental illnesses are manageable.

# data[].attributes.body
You are your own best advocate.  A big part of beginning of your journey is going to be trial and error.  Finding the right doctor, therapist, support group, medication, or your own way of coping when you are in a crisis.  Here are a few more links to help you along that journey:

# data[].attributes.body
Anything else I should know?

# data[].attributes.body
Each person will have their own treatment plan.  Just because your friend has the same disorder as you does not mean that you will have the exact same treatment.  The Mayo Clinic offers a great explanation of the different options that are available.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Diagnosis

To determine a diagnosis and check for related complications, you may have:

A physical exam. Your doctor will try to rule out physical problems that could cause your symptoms.

Lab tests. These may include, for example, a check of your thyroid function or a screening for alcohol and drugs.

A psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health professional talks to you about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to help answer these questions.

Determining which mental illness you have

Sometimes it's difficult to find out which mental illness may be causing your symptoms. But taking the time and effort to get an accurate diagnosis will help determine the appropriate treatment. The more information you have, the more you will be prepared to work with your mental health professional in understanding what your symptoms may represent.

The defining symptoms for each mental illness are detailed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. This manual is used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

Classes of mental illness

The main classes of mental illness are:

Neurodevelopmental disorders. This class covers a wide range of problems that usually begin in infancy or childhood, often before the child begins grade school. Examples include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders.

Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Psychotic disorders cause detachment from reality - such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking and speech. The most notable example is schizophrenia, although other classes of disorders can be associated with detachment from reality at times.

Bipolar and related disorders. This class includes disorders with alternating episodes of mania - periods of excessive activity, energy and excitement - and depression.

Depressive disorders. These include disorders that affect how you feel emotionally, such as the level of sadness and happiness, and they can disrupt your ability to function. Examples include major depressive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Anxiety disorders. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by the anticipation of future danger or misfortune, along with excessive worrying. It can include behavior aimed at avoiding situations that cause anxiety. This class includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias.

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. These disorders involve preoccupations or obsessions and repetitive thoughts and actions. Examples include obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder and hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania).

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders. These are adjustment disorders in which a person has trouble coping during or after a stressful life event. Examples include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder.

Dissociative disorders. These are disorders in which your sense of self is disrupted, such as with dissociative identity disorder and dissociative amnesia.

Somatic symptom and related disorders. A person with one of these disorders may have physical symptoms that cause major emotional distress and problems functioning. There may or may not be another diagnosed medical condition associated with these symptoms, but the reaction to the symptoms is not normal. The disorders include somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder and factitious disorder.

Feeding and eating disorders. These disorders include disturbances related to eating that impact nutrition and health, such as anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.

Elimination disorders. These disorders relate to the inappropriate elimination of urine or stool by accident or on purpose. Bed-wetting (enuresis) is an example.

Sleep-wake disorders. These are disorders of sleep severe enough to require clinical attention, such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.

Sexual dysfunctions. These include disorders of sexual response, such as premature ejaculation and female orgasmic disorder.

Gender dysphoria. This refers to the distress that accompanies a person's stated desire to be another gender.

Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders. These disorders include problems with emotional and behavioral self-control, such as kleptomania or intermittent explosive disorder.

Substance-related and addictive disorders. These include problems associated with the excessive use of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and drugs. This class also includes gambling disorder.

Neurocognitive disorders. Neurocognitive disorders affect your ability to think and reason. These acquired (rather than developmental) cognitive problems include delirium, as well as neurocognitive disorders due to conditions or diseases such as traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer's disease.

Personality disorders. A personality disorder involves a lasting pattern of emotional instability and unhealthy behavior that causes problems in your life and relationships. Examples include borderline, antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders.

Paraphilic disorders. These disorders include sexual interest that causes personal distress or impairment or causes potential or actual harm to another person. Examples are sexual sadism disorder, voyeuristic disorder and pedophilic disorder.

Other mental disorders. This class includes mental disorders that are due to other medical conditions or that don't meet the full criteria for one of the above disorders.

Treatment

Your treatment depends on the type of mental illness you have, its severity and what works best for you. In many cases, a combination of treatments works best.

If you have a mild mental illness with well-controlled symptoms, treatment from your primary care provider may be sufficient. However, often a team approach is appropriate to make sure all your psychiatric, medical and social needs are met. This is especially important for severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia.

Your treatment team

Your treatment team may include your:

Family or primary care doctor

Nurse practitioner

Physician assistant

Psychiatrist, a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental illnesses

Psychotherapist, such as a psychologist or a licensed counselor

Pharmacist

Social worker

Family members

Medications

Although psychiatric medications don't cure mental illness, they can often significantly improve symptoms. Psychiatric medications can also help make other treatments, such as psychotherapy, more effective. The best medications for you will depend on your particular situation and how your body responds to the medication.

Some of the most commonly used classes of prescription psychiatric medications include:

Antidepressants. Antidepressants are used to treat depression, anxiety and sometimes other conditions. They can help improve symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and lack of interest in activities. Antidepressants are not addictive and do not cause dependency.

Anti-anxiety medications. These drugs are used to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. They may also help reduce agitation and insomnia. Long-term anti-anxiety drugs typically are antidepressants that also work for anxiety. Fast-acting anti-anxiety drugs help with short-term relief, but they also have the potential to cause dependency, so ideally they'd be used short term.

Mood-stabilizing medications. Mood stabilizers are most commonly used to treat bipolar disorders, which involves alternating episodes of mania and depression. Sometimes mood stabilizers are used with antidepressants to treat depression.

Antipsychotic medications. Antipsychotic drugs are typically used to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications may also be used to treat bipolar disorders or used with antidepressants to treat depression.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, involves talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health professional. During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behavior. With the insights and knowledge you gain, you can learn coping and stress management skills.

There are many types of psychotherapy, each with its own approach to improving your mental well-being. Psychotherapy often can be successfully completed in a few months, but in some cases, long-term treatment may be needed. It can take place one-on-one, in a group or with family members.

When choosing a therapist, you should feel comfortable and be confident that he or she is capable of listening and hearing what you have to say. Also, it's important that your therapist understands the life journey that has helped shape who you are and how you live in the world.

Brain-stimulation treatments

Brain-stimulation treatments are sometimes used for depression and other mental health disorders. They're generally reserved for situations in which medications and psychotherapy haven't worked. They include electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation.

Make sure you understand all the risks and benefits of any recommended treatment.

Hospital and residential treatment programs

Sometimes mental illness becomes so severe that you need care in a psychiatric hospital. This is generally recommended when you can't care for yourself properly or when you're in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else.

Options include 24-hour inpatient care, partial or day hospitalization, or residential treatment, which offers a temporary supportive place to live. Another option may be intensive outpatient treatment.

Substance misuse treatment

Problems with substance use commonly occur along with mental illness. Often it interferes with treatment and worsens mental illness. If you can't stop using drugs or alcohol on your own, you need treatment. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Participating in your own care

Working together, you and your primary care provider or mental health professional can decide which treatment may be best, depending on your symptoms and their severity, your personal preferences, medication side effects, and other factors. In some cases, a mental illness may be so severe that a doctor or loved one may need to guide your care until you're well enough to participate in decision-making.

Lifestyle and home remedies

In most cases, a mental illness won't get better if you try to treat it on your own without professional care. But you can do some things for yourself that will build on your treatment plan:

Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions. Even if you're feeling better, don't skip your medications. If you stop, symptoms may come back. And you could have withdrawal-like symptoms if you stop a medication too suddenly. If you have bothersome drug side effects or other problems with treatment, talk to your doctor before making changes.

Avoid alcohol and drug use. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can make it difficult to treat a mental illness. If you're addicted, quitting can be a real challenge. If you can't quit on your own, see your doctor or find a support group to help you.

Stay active. Exercise can help you manage symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Physical activity can also counteract the effects of some psychiatric medications that may cause weight gain. Consider walking, swimming, gardening or any form of physical activity that you enjoy. Even light physical activity can make a difference.

Make healthy choices. Maintaining a regular schedule that includes sufficient sleep, healthy eating and regular physical activity are important to your mental health.

Don't make important decisions when your symptoms are severe. Avoid decision-making when you're in the depth of mental illness symptoms, since you may not be thinking clearly.

Determine priorities. You may reduce the impact of your mental illness by managing time and energy. Cut back on obligations when necessary and set reasonable goals. Give yourself permission to do less when symptoms are worse. You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks or use a planner to structure your time and stay organized.

Learn to adopt a positive attitude. Focusing on the positive things in your life can make your life better and may even improve your health. Try to accept changes when they occur, and keep problems in perspective. Stress management techniques, including relaxation methods, may help.

Coping and support

Coping with a mental illness is challenging. Talk to your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills, and consider these tips:

Learn about your mental illness. Your doctor or therapist can provide you with information or may recommend classes, books or websites. Include your family, too - this can help the people who care about you understand what you're going through and learn how they can help.

Join a support group. Connecting with others facing similar challenges may help you cope. Support groups for mental illness are available in many communities and online. One good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Stay connected with friends and family. Try to participate in social activities, and get together with family or friends regularly. Ask for help when you need it, and be upfront with your loved ones about how you're doing.

Keep a journal. Or jot down brief thoughts or record symptoms on a smartphone app. Keeping track of your personal life and sharing information with your therapist can help you identify what triggers or improves your symptoms. It's also a healthy way to explore and express pain, anger, fear and other emotions.

Preparing for your appointment

Whether you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to talk about mental health concerns or you're referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, take steps to prepare for your appointment.

If possible, take a family member or friend along. Someone who has known you for a long time may be able to share important information, with your permission.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

Any symptoms you or people close to you have noticed, and for how long

Key personal information, including traumatic events in your past and any current, major stressors

Your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions

Any medications, vitamins, herbal products or other supplements you take, and their dosages

Questions to ask your doctor or mental health professional

Questions to ask may include:

What type of mental illness might I have?

Why can't I get over mental illness on my own?

How do you treat my type of mental illness?

Will talk therapy help?

Are there medications that might help?

How long will treatment take?

What can I do to help myself?

Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can have?

What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

During your appointment, your doctor or mental health professional is likely to ask you questions about your mood, thoughts and behavior, such as:

When did you first notice symptoms?

How is your daily life affected by your symptoms?

What treatment, if any, have you had for mental illness?

What have you tried on your own to feel better or control your symptoms?

What things make you feel worse?

Have family members or friends commented on your mood or behavior?

Do you have blood relatives with a mental illness?

What do you hope to gain from treatment?

What medications or over-the-counter herbs and supplements do you take?

Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?

Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A wide range of mental health conditions affect mood, thinking and behavior and can make you miserable and cause problems in daily life.

# data[].attributes.body
What are my treatment options?

# data[].attributes.body
I understand that it may feel like that.  There are other people out there that are experiences similar feelings or behaviors as you.  In this day and age with the internet it is much easier to find support groups, whether you want to stay online or find groups in your community.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel so alone.

# data[].attributes.body
Being open with the ones that mean the most to you is important.  You do not need to face this illness alone.  It may be hard to come up with your own words on what have a mental illness makes you feel so here is a short video of other people explaining a few illness and how it feels to them

# data[].attributes.body
How do I help my loved ones to understand what I am feeling and going through?

# data[].attributes.body
Sadly there are people in the world that will be critical with people with mental illness, and that is beyond our control.  But her are 9 myths you may face the most.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Addiction Treatment | Elements | Drug Rehab Treatment Centers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Thanks to news stories, books, and movies, the terms "mentally ill" and "crazy" can be used interchangeably in the minds of far too many people. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Mental illness encompasses a vast array of disorders including ADHD, depression, and anxiety - the vast majority of which respond very well to proper treatment and are rarely associated with "insanity".

So if you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with a mental disorder and dread any potential stigma (which is often due to myths), it's time to arm yourself with the facts. Following are 9 of the most common - and often damaging - myths about mental illness, and the reality behind them:

1. People with mental illness just need to "get a grip". This is one of the most common mental health myths that prevents people from getting the help they need. Think of it this way: when you break a bone, chances are good you're not going to set it yourself and go on with life, hoping it heals correctly. Instead you'll visit a medical professional with the know-how and tools to help your body recover properly. Doesn't your mind deserve the same care?

2. Mental illness has no cure. While there are some disorders that are considered life-long - even with treatment, many can be effectively treated and overcome. People living with a mental disorder, whether it's anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or even schizophrenia, have far more available and beneficial treatment options today than in years past. A mental health professional will work with you to create an effective treatment plan that typically includes one or more of these options:

Therapy: Say therapy and many of us envision lying on a couch talking to a note-taking Freud-type. In fact, there are many different types and modalities of therapy used by professionals to treat mental illness. For example, some individuals will gain the most benefit from a longer-term insight-oriented type of therapy, while others do best with a short-term type of therapy that focuses on solutions. Additionally, one-on-one talk therapy may be best for some individuals, while a group therapy setting might be more appropriate for others. Therapy for a serious, treatment-resistant condition may also involve undergoing a medical procedure such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Medication: Prescription drugs can go a long way towards helping someone with mental illness live a full and normal life. Certain anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, severe depression, and schizophrenia are just some of the conditions that are often treated using a combination of medication and therapy. As with any prescription drugs, psychotropic medications have both limitations and side effects, so they may not be the right choice in some cases.

Support Groups: A supportive shoulder and empathetic ear can play an important role in managing mental illness. Support groups, which can be led by a group member or a mental health professional, allow people living with mental illness (and, perhaps, their family or friends) to connect with others who share many of the same struggles and experiences.

3. Mental illness makes people violent. The vast majority of individuals who suffer from a mental illness are not violent. While a small percentage of people with serious mental illnesses can become violent towards others, the violence that is most often committed is against themselves - in the form of suicide. Experts estimate about 90% of suicide victims have a diagnosable mental illness. The reality is that people with a severe mental disorder are 11 times more likely to be the victim of violence than those without one. [2]

4. Mental illness is a sign of weakness. Most psychiatric disorders develop, at least in part, to an underlying genetic predisposition and / or a chemical imbalance within the brain. Others are the result of a traumatic event such as being raped or living through a natural disaster. Regardless of the origin, mental illness is a genuine health problem that requires professional medical attention. Just as you can't beat cancer by simply "being strong," you can't beat mental illness through the power of your will or by ignoring the problem.

5. If I have a mental illness, I'll never be able to hold a job. Living with an untreated mental condition can definitely make it very difficult to go about daily activities, including holding a job. With proper treatment, however, most people who have a mental illness can and do go to work every day. The key to living a normal life is to recognize the problem and then tap the resources that help you manage or overcome it.

6. Real mental disorders are rare. Chances are good that you already know someone with a mental illness. It could be the girl who sits next to you at school, your neighbor across the street, or your coworker just down the hall. These disorders affect nearly 58 million Americans every year, which means approximately 1 in every 4 adults has struggled with mental illness in the past 12 months. Mental illness knows no boundaries; it can strike family members, friends, and co-workers - and you may not even know it.

7. My family doctor can just prescribe a drug to make me feel better. Popping a pill seems like a simple way to cure anything. But medication is often only one part of managing mental illness, and in many cases medication is not the primary form of treatment. Becoming healthy often involves a combination of treatments that may - or may not - include prescription drugs.

8. Bad parenting triggers mental illness. Childhood experience is just one of the many factors that may contribute to a psychiatric disorder. Genetics, biology, and environmental influences almost always play a role in whether a person develops a mental illness. In fact, most experts agree that a person's mental condition is often the result of many factors coming together.

9. Mental illnesses are all alike...crazy is crazy. This is one of the most harmful myths about mental illness. As mentioned above, the term mental illness describes a dizzying range of disorders that affects many different people in many different ways. Those with mental illness might have one of dozens of disorders, from ADHD to bipolar disorder. Some people have obvious symptoms, while others are much more subtle. Still others are affected by only one episode during their lifetime while some live with their illness for decades. For some, the illness is debilitating, while others are able to live a highly productive life both during and after treatment.

Mental illness does not equal crazy. In fact, many who live with these disorders learn to manage their symptoms and go on with life. Others will even recover completely. Don't let myths about mental illness prevent you or a loved one from getting the treatment you need and deserve. If you suspect you're battling a mental disorder, set up an appointment for an evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can get back to living your life as fully as possible.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
So if you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with a mental disorder and dread any potential stigma (which is often due to myths), it's time to arm yourself with the facts. Following are 9 of the most common - and often damaging - myths about mental illness

# data[].attributes.body
I feel like people will judge me when they find out I have a mental illness.

# data[].attributes.body
There is still much research to be done to fully answer that question, there could be biological reasons or perhaps a trauma happen in your life.  Here is more information from WebMD:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What are the causes of mental illness? Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

What Biological Factors Are Involved in Mental Illness?

Some mental illnesses have been linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways that connect particular brain regions. Nerve cells within these brain circuits communicate through chemicals called neurotransmitters. "Tweaking" these chemicals -- through medicines, psychotherapy or other medical procedures -- can help brain circuits run more efficiently. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental conditions.

Other biological factors that may be involved in the development of mental illness include:

Genetics (heredity): Mental illnesses sometimes run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness may be somewhat more likely to develop one themselves. Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Experts believe many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in many genes rather than just one or a few and that how these genes interact with the environment is unique for every person (even identical twins). That is why a person inherits a susceptibility to a mental illness and doesn't necessarily develop the illness. Mental illness itself occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other factors -- such as stress, abuse, or a traumatic event -- which can influence, or trigger, an illness in a person who has an inherited susceptibility to it.

Infections: Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms. For example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS) associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.

Brain defects or injury: Defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental illnesses.

Prenatal damage: Some evidence suggests that a disruption of early fetal brain development or trauma that occurs at the time of birth -- for example, loss of oxygen to the brain -- may be a factor in the development of certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.

Substance abuse: Long-term substance abuse, in particular, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

Other factors: Poor nutrition and exposure to toxins, such as lead, may play a role in the development of mental illnesses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What are the causes of mental illness? Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some mental illnesses have been linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways that connect particular brain regions.

# data[].attributes.body
Why do I have a mental illness?

# data[].attributes.body
Here is one persons interpretation on what different disorder and illness look like.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I Illustrated Mental Illness And Disorders For Inktober

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every year thousands of artists get involved in Inktober, where for 31 days of October, you ink a drawing for each day. I decided to go off the usual prompt and focus on mental illnesses and disorders.

# data[].attributes.body
What does mental illness look like?