Coping with depression requires work. When emotions feel overwhelming, adolescents may be tempted to use negative coping skills such as substance abuse, isolation, or self-harm. Research shows that adolescents tend to vary more in how much they cope rather than in the specific strategies they use. Because of this, they may need extra support from parents and other caring adults around them.
The Coping Skills for Depression (PDF) handout serves as a guide that supports teen clients in managing their feelings through different techniques. The handout presents 6 categories of coping strategies: behavioral activation, relaxation, social contact, health habits, increase positive brain chemicals, and thinking/mental skills.
Teens using this handout won't run out of ideas, especially on days when their symptoms are harder to manage or when they feel alone. They can also cut out the tips from the handout and place each one in areas they frequently visit for easy access. For example, they can put relaxation tips on their bedroom wall or stick the healthy habits tips on the refrigerator.
This handout pairs well with our Coping Skills for Depression worksheet for an additional learning opportunity.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of depression worksheets and handouts.
References:
- de Jonge-Heesen, K. W., Rasing, S. P., Vermulst, A. A., Tak, Y. R., Engels, R. C., Creemers, D. H. (2020). Associations between coping strategies and depressive symptoms in adolescence: A longitudinal perspective. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 027243162097853. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431620978533
- Herres, J. (2015). Adolescent coping profiles differentiate reports of depression and anxiety symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders, 186, 312-319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.07.031
- Horwitz, A. G., Hill, R. M., & King, C. A. (2010). Specific coping behaviors in relation to adolescent depression and suicidal ideation. Journal of Adolescence, 34(5), 1077-1085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.10.004
- Stapley, E., Stock, S., Deighton, J., & Demkowicz, O. (2022). A qualitative study of how adolescents’ use of coping strategies and support varies in line with their experiences of adversity. Child & Youth Care Forum, 52(1), 177-203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-022-09682-0
