Supporting Mental Health: Coping Skills and Self-Regulation Tips

Mental health has become a significant conversation in schools as the nation wrestles with a mental health crisis among young people, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Elizabeth Janca, experienced school administrator and licensed counselor, explains ways to support self-regulation and some common coping skills.

Coping strategies and skills are the reactions and behaviors one adopts to deal with difficult situations. Coping strategies come in many forms. Some are helpful and others are hurtful. Some work better for one person than another. Here are tips for coping skills and regulation that can be implemented at school and home:

Physical Coping Skills

Physical processes are directly tied to mental and emotional processes. If we take care of ourselves physically, we have a stronger foundation for our emotional and mental well-being.

Routine

We build resiliency when there is consistency. Examples of a strong daily routine include the setting expectations around the following: 

• • What time to have dinner
  • When to start getting ready for bed
  • When to shut off electronics
  • What time to wake up

Quality Sleep

While essential, sleep can be difficult to accomplish for some. Things that can support quality sleep include:

• • Cool room temperature
  • Sound machine
  • Set bedtime
  • Set waking time
  • Avoid and eating within two hours of bedtime 

Eating Well

Well-balanced meals gives our bodies the nutrients needed to support physical and mental health.