Coping Strategies For Teenagers

Trials and tribulations that young men face

·         Violence

·         Break up with girlfriend

·         Problems with parents

·         Performance at school

·         [Add yours]

 If I Don’t Cope

·         Rage/ Violence

·         Self harm

·         Gang membership

HOW DO I COPE?

·         First thing first! If your spirit is sick your whole body is sick

·         Remember your creator now! God is a very present help in time of trouble When you fix your mind on God He gives you peace of mind. Those who have hope beyond this life are not miserable

GENERAL ADVICE

·         Try to be open with your feelings.

·         Spend time with family and friends.

·         Volunteer, it is a method through which you can give of yourself.

·         Get involved with after school activities Keep your sense of humor.

·         Accept others’ thanks, compliments of you, and praise for you.

·         Think and plan your future. Set realistic goals.

·         Read Read Read

·         Do not tolerate physical, emotional or sexual abuse from anyone. Get help immediately.

·         Seek help if you feel overwhelmed or troubled. It is okay to ask for help!

·         Think It Out It’s normal to feel stressed! You are not the only one feeling the squeeze

·         Know exactly what stresses you the most Control what you can and ignore the rest

·         Talk It Out Talking gives you practice in putting your feelings into words.

·         Helps You feel valued, loved Can serve as a springboard to problem solving.

·         Think of at least one positive adult or older male that you feel comfortable talking to.  If you feel like you can’t talk as yet keep a journal and share sections of it with that person

·         Sharpen Your Problem Solving Skills Develop an attitude of wanting to find solutions A group of you can sit down and write down ideas of possible solutions.

·         Find out from your peers what they did in similar situations and what was the outcome

·         Try to predict the positive and negative that may result from each choice

Out with the stress!

·         No Weed

·         No Crack

·         No Alcohol

·         No Illicit Sex

·         No Cigarettes

·         Know yourself

·         Listening to music

·         Drawing/painting journaling [yes it's ok for males to journal too :) ]

·         Something new sports hiking walking running something new

·         Decrease negative self talk.

·         Challenge negative thoughts about yourself with alternative neutral or positive thoughts.

·         Take Care of You! Take care of body, mind, and spirit!

·         Eat right Exercise Get enough sleep You are more easily irritated when you don’t

·         CONTROL THE WARRIOR! Anger is a normal emotion God made man to be a warrior: Use the warrior in you to fight for a cause and to help others not hurt them. He who angers you controls you