Positive Coping

Mechanisms to Reduce
Suicidal Ideation

By Cara Engstrom, Sophia Callahan, & Morgan Eisenhauer

Learning Outcomes
● Understand examples of healthy vs. unhealthy coping
mechanisms
● Identify at least 2 positive coping mechanisms
● Learn & practice an integrative technique as a coping
mechanism
● Demonstrate at least 1 coping strategy during this
educational session
Ice Breaker Questions/Introduction to Group Today!

● Tell us your name, what you are grateful for today, and
your favorite food!
Why is Learning Coping Mechanisms Important?

● Suicidal ideation is inversely related to the number of

coping strategies
○ In other words, the more coping strategies, the less likely to
experience suicidal ideation
○ However, the quality of the coping mechanisms (whether they are
deemed healthy or not) is just as, if not more important, than the
quantity of coping strategies
○ I.e. drinking alcohol versus mindfulness practices or acts of self-
harm versus communicating your feelings to a trusted loved one or
health professional
Interactive Activity
● Pass out journals and provide examples of positive thinking and
gratitude journal entries!
● Set a timer for 5 minutes, play soft meditation music in
background, and allow for everyone to freely write down their
feelings, a gratitude list etc. (anything they feel or want to
express on paper in that moment)
● Examples of prompts will be written on white board
○ Ex. What brings you joy and how can you incorporate those things into your
daily life, what emotions from the past are you still holding onto and
brainstorm ideas on how to let those feelings be free/work through them, etc.
○ Remember: journaling can be your safe space!
Types of Coping Strategies
● Socializing with others
● Positive thinking
○ Journaling: write down three good things from each day, writing down realistic
goals for the day/week to accomplish your goals, writing down/speaking out
loud positive self-affirmations first thing in the morning and before bed
● Self-care: treating yourself to your favorite food, calling a
loved one, getting adequate rest, etc.
● Finding ways to calm yourself in stressful times
○ Acupressure to decrease anxiety
○ Exercise
○ Yoga/meditation
○ Going for a walk outside/getting fresh air
Integrative Techniques
● Let's demonstrate acupressure!
References:
● Stanley, B., Martínez-Alés, G., Gratch, I., Rizk, M., Galfalvy, H., Choo, T.-H., & Mann, J. J. (2021). Coping strategies that
reduce suicidal ideation: An ecological momentary assessment study. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 133, 32–37.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.012