Coping with depression often requires professional help, such as therapy and medication prescribed by mental health experts. Fortunately, clients can practice daily strategies that can make a big difference in their mental health. Some of these strategies include sticking to a regular exercise schedule and engaging in mindfulness methods.
The Coping with Depression worksheet is a structured activity that promotes self-awareness. It asks clients to write down their triggers or things that make them feel down or sad, and describe their internal experiences, thoughts, and behaviors. At the bottom of the worksheet, clients are able to identify ways they can cope, such as staying active, maintaining social contact, keeping healthy habits, and improving how they think.
Using this worksheet helps kids and teens build mental strength and improve their ability to handle daily stressors. When combined with our Depression Coping Statements handout, they can learn to develop a positive outlook, which reduces depression symptoms over time.
Adults can offer additional support by helping children review their coping strategies and reflect on what has been effective. This process can involve discussing specific situations where the child used a coping technique and analyzing its effects.
This worksheet pairs well with our Depression Coping Skills for Kids handout.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of depression worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Bernaras, E., Jaureguizar, J., & Garaigordobil, M. (2019). Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543
- Goyal, S., Bansal, V., & Srivastava, K. (2009). Study of prevalence of depression in adolescent students of a public school. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 18(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-6748.57859
- Korczak, D. J., Westwell-Roper, C., & Sassi, R. (2023). Diagnosis and management of depression in adolescents. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 195(21), E739-E746. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.220966
- Pimenta, S. M., Hunter, S. C., Rasmussen, S., Cogan, N., & Martin, B. (2021). Young people’s coping strategies when dealing with their own and a friend’s symptoms of poor mental health: A qualitative study. Journal of Adolescent Research, 39(3), 612-638. https://doi.org/10.1177/07435584211062115
