For young people struggling with any difficult situation, some excellent “coping statements” can help bolster resilience and enable them to get through tricky things. I’ve attached a graphic from Whole Hearted School Counselling that highlights some of these coping statements. These statements can be really useful for us grown-ups, and can help us shift negative self-talk.
I can handle this, especially if I take it one step at a time.
I am capable of doing tough things.
It’s okay if I don’t feel okay right now.
I’ve had to deal with harder things, so I know it will get easier.
I belong, am lovable, and matter. No matter what.
I’d choose something else, but I can deal with this too.
This feeling is uncomfortable, but it won’t last forever.
No matter how difficult it gets, I am strong enough to get through it, and come out even stronger.
Feeling scared and anxious means I get to be more brave.
Not all thoughts are true or facts.
All I need to do is the next right thing and breathe, even if I don’t know what’s going to happen.
I feel sad and disappointed, and that’s okay.
Do any of these statements particularly stand out for you? If so, add that to your internal soundtrack (and encourage your young people to do so as well!). Maybe you’ve got some incredible coping statements of your own! Let’s listen to these statements when times are tough and keep moving.
You’re all doing amazing. You’re all amazing. You got this.
