Youth Voices Needed!
Getting and keeping youth involved in our prevention work is of the utmost importance to us! This can take different forms depending on your interests - attend a coalition meeting, write a blog post, become a peer mentor, advocate for change, share your story, and more.
Coping Skills
Coping skills are means to invest in one's own conscious effort, and to solve personal and interpersonal problems, in order to try to master, minimize or tolerate stress and conflict.
Self-Soothing
(Comforting yourself through your five senses)
​
​1. Something to touch (ex: stuffed animal, stress ball)
2. Something to hear (ex: music, meditation guides)
3. Something to see (ex: snowglobe, happy pictures)
4. Something to taste (ex: mints, tea, sour candy)
5. Something to smell (ex: lotion, candles, perfume)
Emotional Awareness
(Tools for identifying and expressing your feelings)
​Examples
A list or chart of emotions,
a journal, writing supplies, drawing/art supplies
Distraction
(Taking your mind off the problem for awhile)
​
​Examples
puzzles, books, artwork, crafts, knitting, crocheting, sewing, crossword puzzles, sudoku, positive websites, music, movies, etc.​
​
Mindfulness
(Tools for centering and grounding yourself in the present moment)
​
Examples
meditation or relaxation recordings, grounding objects (like a rock or paperweight),
yoga mat, breathing exercises
Opposite Action
(Doing something the opposite of your impulse that's consistent with a more positive emotion)
1. Affirmations and Inspiration (ex: looking at or drawing motivational statements or images)
2. Something funny or cheering (ex: funny movies/TV/books)
​
Crisis Plan
​(Contact info of supports and resources, for when coping skills aren't enough)
Family/Friends
Therapist
Psychiatrist
Crisis Team/ER
9-1-1
​To learn more about Coping Skills check out this 15 Minute Read from Positive Psychology.com 10+ Coping Skills Worksheets for Adults and Youth (+ PDFs) (4 Oct 2017 by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA, Scientifically reviewed by Saima Latif, Ph.D.)
Key Insights:
-
Coping skills worksheets provide structured methods for managing stress & emotional challenges effectively.
-
These tools help individuals identify triggers, explore healthy coping strategies & develop resilience.
-
Regular use of coping worksheets can lead to improved emotional regulation & personal growth.
Be a Change Maker
My name is Olivia
Olivia reached out to the local city council to see if they could help make the neighborhood park a safer place for kids to play. As a result, the park was renovated.
​
"Change making is not just for adults... if you see something that needs fixing believe that you can make that change!"
- Olivia, age 13
Resources
Click on any of the links below to learn more.
Substances
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline | Call: 800-327-5050 Text: “HOPE” to 800327
SAMHSA | Substance Use Prevention Resources for Youth and College Students
​
Mental Health & Wellness
Massachusetts Behavioral Health HelpLine | Call or Text: 833-773-2445
​
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens: Summary | YouTheCEO (YouTube Video)
​​
Get Involved!