Strategies - Situational Stories - Coping Comics
Why should I use coping comics?
These comic strips can help you better understand and cope with certain situations.
What should my comic be about?
The topic of your comic strip can relate to anything that makes you feel stressed, anxious, confused, sad, angry, disappointed, irritated, bored, afraid, uncomfortable, or over-stimulated.
Need help coming up with topics? Check out these for help:
What should I include in these comics? In most cases, you should include these parts:
- A picture with words showing the situation, activity, place, person, or event.
- A picture with words showing what you typically do in that situation (how do you behave, what do you say, how do you feel?).
- Pictures with words showing what other people might be doing, saying, thinking, or feeling in this situation.
- Pictures with words of what you should try to do – what is a better way for you to handle the situation?
- End with a positive thought or statement that shows the lesson (or moral) of the story - you CAN do it!
How do I create these comics?
You can hand-draw or cut and paste images to create your comics. It is OK if you are not the best artist! The point is for you to learn from and enjoy these comic strips.
When should I review these comics?
Once you have written a coping comic, you should review it on a regular basis AND when particularly stressful events occur. Review these stories with a "support person" (i.e. parent, teacher, coach, mentor, therapist) as needed.
Where should I keep these comics?
In a binder, notebook, on a hand-held device, or on your computer.
A parent, teacher, mentor, coach, or therapist should instruct and guide you in developing these comics. You will need their guidance and instruction for several reasons:
- You might need help identifying story topics.
- You may need help showing and describing how you typically respond in certain stressful situations.
- You may need help showing and describing a more appropriate response to deal with these situations.
- You may need help showing and describing the perspectives (thoughts, feelings, intentions) of others.
