Positive Coping Statements

Positive coping statements encourage us and help us cope through distressing times.  

You only have to watch a tennis match to see the power of positive self talk.  The player who looks despondent and is probably criticising himself whilst making lots of mistakes and not playing very well.  The other player may look very confident, using lots of positive self talk to encourage and push themselves, and they play like a master.  This process might swap from player to player during the match - but the one who is using and believing positive self talk will be the better player at that time.

We can say these encouraging words to ourselves, and be our own personal coach.

We have all survived some very distressing times, and we can use those experiences to encourage us through current difficulties.

Examples Of Coping Statements:

• Stop, and breathe, I can do this
• This will pass
• I can be anxious/angry/sad and still deal with this
• I have done this before, and I can do it again
• This feels bad, it is a normal body reaction.  It will pass
• This feels bad, and feelings are very often wrong
• These are just feelings, they will go away
• This won`t last forever
• Short term pain for long term gain
• I can feel bad and still choose to take a new and healthy direction
• I don`t need to rush, I can take things slowly
• I have survived before, I will survive now
• I feel this way because of my past experiences, but I am safe right now
• I'm stronger than I think
• It`s okay to feel this way, it`s a normal reaction
• Right now, I am not in danger. Right now, I`m safe
• My mind is not always my friend
• Thoughts are just thoughts.  They are not necessarily true or factual
• I will learn from this experience, even if it seems hard to understand right now
• This is difficult and uncomfortable, but it is only temporary
• I choose to see this challenge as an opportunity
• I can use my coping skills and get through this
• I can learn from this and it will be easier next time
• Keep calm and carry on

Write down a coping thought or positive statement for each difficult or distressing situation.  Something you can tell yourself that will help you get through. Write them down on a piece of card and carry it in your pocket or handbag to help remind you.

Difficult or distressing situation:

Positive Coping statement:

Positive Coping Statements Worksheet  - PDF
Positive Affirmations