Mental Coping Skills (PDF)

When stressful or negative thoughts take over, it can be hard to stay calm or focus on what’s important. The mind can get stuck in a loop, which makes worries feel bigger. Fortunately, as mental health awareness grows, cognitive coping skills have become more accessible to help break this cycle and regain control. The Mental Coping Skills handout introduces techniques that teach clients to use their thoughts and mental capabilities for problem-solving. It explains the different types of mental coping skills, and offers simple questions clients can ask themselves to get started. Kids and teens using this handout may learn to become more aware of their reactions to challenges and choose how to respond. If practiced regularly, these skills can help young people feel more confident over time. To maintain progress, caring adults can start daily thought check-ins where kids and teens notice and challenge unhelpful thoughts. They can also create a personal “mental reset” routine, which includes spending time in nature or listening to music. This handout can be a helpful first step toward introducing clients to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts. References: Chadda, R. K. (2018). Youth & mental health: Challenges ahead. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 148(4), 359–361. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1698_18 Özkan, E., & Altuntaş, O. (2024). Effects of online coping skills training on stress, anxiety and social problem solving in young people: A randomised controlled study. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 70(5), 888-898. https://doi.org/10.1177/00207640241239539 Taylor, S. E., & Stanton, A. L. (2007). Coping resources, coping processes, and mental health. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 3(1), 377-401. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.3.022806.091520 Yoo, C. (2019). Stress coping and mental health among adolescents: Applying a multi-dimensional stress coping model. Children and Youth Services Review, 99, 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.01.030