Deconstructing the Crisis Slides Unit: Crisis Survival
DECONSTRUCTING THE CRISIS
The 0-100 Emotional Scale
Brain Lab Series
What is a "Crisis"?
In our lives, we face problems every day. But some problems turn into crises.
Think of a character in a movie...
"They aren't just annoyed—they are completely overwhelmed."
The Boiling Point
When your emotions are so high that you can't think clearly or make good decisions.
The Distress Thermometer
0 25 50 75 100
0 - 30: Chill Zone
Calm, focused, or mildly annoyed. You can use logic to solve problems.
31 - 65: Stressed Zone
Frustrated, anxious, or angry. Thinking is getting harder, but you're still in control.
66 - 100: Crisis Zone
Overwhelmed! Logic is "offline." This is where you need TIPP skills.
MEET THE "TIPP" SKILLS
These skills hack your body to calm your brain FAST.
T
Temperature
Cold water to face/eyes
I
Intense Exercise
20 mins of high energy
P
Paced Breathing
Slow, deep belly breaths
P
Paired Muscle Relaxation
Tense and release
Why do we use TIPP?
🧠→ 📉
TIPP skills are short-term fixes. They don't solve the problem, but they lower your physical distress level so you can get back to using your "wise brain" to solve it.
The Big Rule
If you're at 65+, reach for TIPP.
Distress Thermometer Worksheet The Distress Thermometer
Topic: Crisis Deconstruction & TIPP Thresholds
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Rate the Intensity
Read each scenario below. Rate the character's emotional intensity on a scale of 0 to 100. Then, circle PROBLEM (0-64) if they can solve it with logic, or CRISIS (65-100) if they need TIPP first.
A. Sarah realizes she forgot her math homework at home for the third time this week. Her teacher looks annoyed as he walks toward her desk. Sarah's heart starts racing and she feels like she might cry.
Rating (0-100)
PROBLEM
CRISIS
B. Marcus is playing in the championship game. He misses the winning shot. He feels so angry he wants to scream at his teammates and kick the water cooler. He can feel his face burning hot.
Rating (0-100)
PROBLEM
CRISIS
C. Leo gets a text from a friend saying they can't hang out this weekend. Leo feels lonely and a bit disappointed, but he figures he can just play video games instead.
Rating (0-100)
PROBLEM
CRISIS
Part 2: Your Warning Signs
What does a 70+ "Crisis" feel like in your body? Check all that apply or add your own.
Heart beating fast
Face feeling hot
Clenching fists/teeth
Can't think of words
Feeling shaky or dizzy
Feeling like "exploding"
When I am at a 90, my brain usually thinks or wants to do this (even if it's not a good idea):
Why is it important to use TIPP before trying to solve the actual problem when you're at a 70+?
Deconstructing the Crisis Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Lesson 1
Deconstructing the Crisis
At a Glance
45-50 Minutes
7th Grade (12-13 years)
Scaling Distress, Intro to TIPP
Key Terms
Distress Tolerance: The ability to perceive, move through, and survive an emotional crisis.Physiological Arousal: Physical signs of stress (racing heart, heat).The "Wise Brain": Balancing logic and emotion.
Instructional Guidance
1. The Hook (10 mins): Use the slides to define "Crisis." Ask students to think of a time a movie character "lost it." What did their face look like? Their voice? This externalizes the concept before asking them to look inward.
2. The 0-100 Scale (15 mins): This is subjective. Emphasize that what is a "50" for one student might be a "90" for another. The goal is self-awareness , not a "correct" number.
3. TIPP Threshold (10 mins): Clarify that TIPP is for 65+ . If we use TIPP for a "20," we aren't learning to solve problems. If we try to problem-solve at "90," we'll likely make it worse (e.g., saying something we regret).
Worksheet Key & Discussion Prompts
Scenario Analysis
Scenario A: Usually rated 60-80. Likely a Crisis because of physical signs (heart racing, freezing).Scenario B: Usually rated 80-95. Definitely a Crisis (anger heat, impulse to scream).Scenario C: Usually rated 10-30. A Problem . Does not need TIPP.
The "Why" Question
Suggested answer: When we are at 70+, our prefrontal cortex (the thinking part of the brain) goes "offline." We can't think clearly. TIPP brings the body down to a level where the brain can think again.
Facilitation Tip
If a student rates Leo's text (Scenario C) as a 90, don't correct them. Instead, ask: "If that's a 90 for Leo, what do his body signs look like? What would a 20 feel like for him?"
Academic Panic Slides Case Study 01
Academic Panic
Discreet TIPP Skills for the Classroom
The "Freeze"
"It's the midterm. I look at Question 1 and my mind goes blank. I feel my neck getting tight, and suddenly the sound of the clock ticking is deafening. I feel like I'm trapped."
Distress Rating 85
Why can't this student just "try harder" right now?
The Hijacked Brain
When the brain's alarm system (amygdala) goes off, it shuts down the "logic center" (prefrontal cortex). To get it back, we need to speak the Body's Language.
Classroom "Stealth" Skills
P
Paced Breathing
• Inhale for 4, Exhale for 6
• Focus only on the air moving
• Lowers heart rate instantly
P
Paired Muscle Relaxation
• Tense toes/calves for 5 seconds
• Release and feel the "surge" of calm
• Move up the body (hidden under desk)
Why these two?
1. Invisible
Nobody knows you're doing them. You can reset without feeling embarrassed or drawing attention.
2. Physiological Override
They force your parasympathetic nervous system (the "Rest and Digest" system) to turn on.
The TIPP Cheat Code:
"When my body feels safe, my brain can think again."
LIVE SIMULATION
Let's try Paced Breathing
4
IN
6
OUT
Try it now. 3 rounds. Feet flat on the floor.
Academic Panic Worksheet The Exam Freeze Analysis
Case Study: Academic Panic & Discreet Regulation
Name:
Confidential Profile: Student #402
Scenario: The Algebra Wall
"Jordan studied for three days. But as soon as the teacher says 'Begin,' Jordan's hands start shaking. The numbers on the page look like a jumbled mess. Jordan feels a wave of heat in their chest and an overwhelming urge to just run out of the room. When Jordan tries to solve the first problem, their brain feels like it's full of static."
Body Signs:
• Shaking hands
• Chest heat
• "Static" brain
• Flight urge
1. The Brain Lockdown
Jordan is at an 85/100 on the distress scale. Why is Jordan literally unable to "just remember the math" at this moment? What is happening inside their brain?
2. Selecting the "Stealth" Skills
Jordan can't stand up and do jumping jacks or splash ice water on their face in the middle of a test. Which two TIPP skills should they use? Describe how they can do them without anyone noticing.
Skill A:
Skill B:
3. The Self-Talk Script
TIPP skills help the body, but sometimes we need a small "Wise Brain" thought to go with it. What is one thing Jordan can tell themselves while doing these skills to keep from judging their own panic?
"It's okay that I'm feeling this way because..."
Academic Panic Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Lesson 2
Academic Panic & Discreet TIPP
Instructional Focus
This lesson focuses on the biological freeze that occurs during high-stakes testing. Many students interpret "blanking out" as a lack of intelligence, which further increases distress. Our goal is to reframe this as a biological safety response that can be overridden.
The Reframing Statement:
"Your brain isn't broken; it's just trying to protect you from a threat it thinks is dangerous. We have to tell the body 'We are safe' so the brain can get back to work."
Worksheet Key
1. The Brain Lockdown
Key Point: The Amygdala (emotional center) has triggered the fight-or-flight response. It has prioritized survival over high-level thinking. Blood is moving away from the prefrontal cortex to the limbs (shaking hands) to prepare to run or fight.
2. Stealth Skills Selection
Paced Breathing: Jordan can do this while looking at the paper. Inhale 4, Exhale 6. No one can see this.Paired Muscle Relaxation: Jordan can squeeze their toes inside their shoes or clench and release their thighs under the desk.
Pacing Guide
0-10m: The Scenario
Discuss Jordan's situation. Ask: "Have you ever felt 'static' brain?"
10-25m: Skill Modeling
Model the 4-6 breath and the toe-squeeze PMR.
25-45m: Case Study
Students complete the analysis worksheet.
Differentiation
For students with sensory sensitivities, the "feeling of blood surging" during PMR can be uncomfortable. Suggest Paced Breathing as the primary focus or "Pressing hands together" as an alternative PMR.
Social Meltdown Slides Case Study 02
Social Meltdown
Cooling the High-Energy "Heat"
High Energy / Fight Mode
The Cafeteria Collision
"Someone posts a screenshot of a private DM in the group chat. Within 5 minutes, everyone in the cafeteria is looking at you. You feel your blood start to boil. You want to march over there, grab their phone, and start a screaming match."
Brain State:
"Fight Mode Activated"
The Risk
If you act right now, you are acting on emotion, not logic. You will likely say or do something that makes the situation permanent.
The Goal
Survive the next 15 minutes without making the problem worse.
The "Active" TIPP Skills
T
Temperature
Splash ICE COLD water on your face and eyes for 30 seconds. Hold your breath.
"Triggers the Mammalian Dive Reflex"
I
Intense Exercise
Sprint, do 50 jumping jacks, or lift something heavy. Burn off the adrenaline.
"Matches your body's energy level"
The Cold Water Hack
Sensors on your face detect cold.
Brain tells the heart to slow down instantly.
System reset. High energy drops to manageable levels.
"It's like hitting the physical E-Stop button on your emotions."
TIPP is a BRIDGE
Emotional Explosion
TIPP SKILLS
Wise Brain Response
In a social crisis, the goal isn't to be "happy"—it's to not make it worse until you can think clearly.
Social Meltdown Worksheet The Social Heat Map
Case Study: Social Conflict & Impulse Control
Name:
The Cafeteria Collision
"You're sitting with your friends when you overhear a group at the next table laughing about a picture of you that was posted online without your permission. Your face turns bright red, your heart starts pounding in your throat, and you feel an intense urge to stand up and scream at them. Your hands are clenched into tight fists."
1. Body Heat Reading
List three biological signals in this scenario that tell you this student is in a "Crisis" (65+):
2. The "Impulse" Trap
If the student acts on their immediate impulse to scream right now, what is one potential negative consequence?
Prescribing the "Active" TIPP Skills
Choose the best TIPP skill for this student to use before they respond to the other group.
T
Temperature
The student goes to the restroom and splashes ice-cold water on their eyes/face for 30 seconds.
How does this help?
I
Intense Exercise
The student tells their friends they'll be right back and goes to the gym to sprint or do wall-pushes for 2 minutes.
How does this help?
3. The Wise Brain Response
After cooling down to a 40/100 , the student can now use their "Wise Brain." What is a mature way to handle the situation that solves the problem without causing a meltdown?
"Now that I'm calm, I can..."
Social Meltdown Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Lesson 3
Social Meltdown & Active TIPP
Clinical Context
Social conflicts often trigger "hot" emotions like anger and betrayal. In these states, the body is flooded with adrenaline. While "Paced Breathing" is helpful, it can sometimes feel too slow or difficult when the body is in "Fight Mode." Active TIPP skills (Temperature and Intense Exercise) are designed to match and then abruptly shift high physiological arousal.
The Mammalian Dive Reflex (T)
When ice-cold water hits the face, the brain thinks the body is underwater. To survive, the brain sends a "slow down" signal to the heart. This is a physiological override that happens even if you don't "believe" in the skill.
Discussion Prompts
Ask the Class:
"Why is splashing water on your face better than just counting to ten when you're at a 90?"
Expected response: Counting to ten is mental; splashing water is physical. At a 90, your physical body needs a reset before your mind can count.
Ask the Class:
"Where in our school can you actually do 'Intense Exercise' if you're in a crisis?"
Practical ideas: Doing a quick set of wall-pushes in the bathroom, taking the stairs fast, or squeezing a heavy stress ball.
Answer Key
Signs: Red face, heart pounding, clenched fists.
Consequence: Getting suspended, losing a friend, the post going viral, regretting words.
T (Temperature): Instantly lowers heart rate; forces focus onto a physical sensation; "shocks" the system out of anger loop.
I (Exercise): Burn off adrenaline; provides a safe outlet for the "fight" energy; releases endorphins to stabilize mood.
Safety Note
Ensure students understand "Intense Exercise" should be brief (1-2 mins) and safe. It is not about a workout; it is about an adrenaline dump.
Overwhelmed at Home Slides Case Study 03
Overwhelmed at Home
Winding Down the Worry
Quiet Space / Low Energy
Scenario: The Endless To-Do
"It's 10:30 PM. You have a huge presentation tomorrow, your parents were arguing earlier, and you still haven't packed your bag. You're exhausted but as soon as you lay down, your brain starts racing. Every little noise in the house makes you jumpy."
Distress Level: 75/100
This isn't a "scream" crisis. This is a "rumination" crisis. You're stuck in a loop of worry.
Goal: Physiological Safety
At home, the goal is often to lower the volume of your nervous system so you can finally rest. We need skills that feel like a warm blanket for the brain.
The Restorative Duo
P Paired Muscle Relaxation
"The Body Scan Hook"
Tense your muscle group as hard as you can for 5-10 seconds.
Suddenly let go. Feel the tension flow out like water.
Wait 15 seconds. Repeat with the next group.
P Paced Breathing
"The Vagus Nerve Hack"
Focus on making your exhale longer than your inhale.
"Box Breathing" or "Square Breathing" can give your mind a shape to follow.
Tells the brain: "No lions are chasing us. We can sleep."
The 10-Minute Wind-Down
01
Phones Down & Cool Down
Blue light keeps the brain at a "50." Put the phone away and maybe splash cool water (T) to reset.
02
The PMR Blanket
In bed, go from toes to forehead. 5 seconds squeeze, 15 seconds release.
03
The Slow Exhale
End with 4-count in, 6-count out until you drift off.
Why is home stress unique?
At school, we hide it. In public, we mask it. But at home, we often feel the crash . TIPP helps make sure the crash doesn't turn into a blowout.
"TIPP isn't just for emergencies—it's for maintenance."
Home Stress Worksheet The Wind-Down Blueprint
Topic: Home Stress, PMR, & Sleep Hygiene
Name:
Step 1: The PMR Muscle Scan
Follow the instructions for each muscle group. After you release, pay close attention to the sensation of relaxation . Rank how each one feels for you (1 = Neutral, 5 = Highly Relaxing).
FEET: Curl your toes down tight as if you are trying to pick up a pencil.
1 2 3 4 5
HANDS: Make tight fists, squeezing your palms.
1 2 3 4 5
SHOULDERS: Shrug your shoulders up to your ears. Hold tight.
1 2 3 4 5
FACE: Scrunch up your whole face (eyes, nose, mouth).
1 2 3 4 5
Case Study: The Midnight Loop
"It's 11 PM. You've been lying in bed for an hour. Your brain is looping: 'I'm going to fail the test... everyone saw me mess up in gym... why did I say that thing to my mom?' Your body feels stiff and jumpy. Your heart is beating fast enough that you can hear it in your ears."
Create a 3-step TIPP Routine for this student:
Step 1 (Physical Start)
Step 2 (The Reset)
Step 3 (The Final Wind-Down)
Personal Insight
Think about your own evening. Which of the four TIPP skills (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Paired Muscle Relaxation) feels like it would be the most helpful for you to use at home? Why?
Home Stress Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Lesson 4
Home Overwhelm & PMR
Lesson Background
Home is often where students let their guard down. This can lead to "rumination" —repetitive negative thoughts—which keeps the body in a state of low-level distress (around a 50-60) that prevents sleep. TIPP skills at home are about Sleep Hygiene and Nervous System Regulation .
Why PMR Works for Rumination
It is difficult for the brain to think about a worry while it is actively focusing on the physical sensation of tensing and releasing a specific muscle. It "anchors" the brain in the body and away from the future or past worries.
Facilitating the PMR Practice
The worksheet includes a tracker. Lead the class through a 5-minute guided session using the steps on the sheet. Use a calm, steady voice.
Pro-Tip for Teachers:
"Remind students that if their mind wanders to a worry during the exercise, that's normal. Just gently notice the thought and bring the focus back to the sensation of the muscle."
Wind-Down Key
Step 1: (Temperature) Splash cool water to signal a reset to the brain.
Step 2: (PMR) Full body scan in bed to release physical tension built up during the day.
Step 3: (Paced Breathing) 4-in, 6-out breathing to lower heart rate and induce sleep.
Common Myth
Students often think "Intense Exercise" helps sleep. Clarify that while it helps burn adrenaline, it should be done at least 2 hours before bed. If done right before bed, it might keep them awake!
The Crisis Consultant Slides Final Project
THE CRISIS CONSULTANT
Your Prescription for Regulation
You are the expert.
Today, you are a Crisis Consultant. You will receive a "Distress Report" for a person in a critical state.
Your Mission:
1. Analyze the Situation
2. Rate the Intensity
3. Prescribe a TIPP Protocol
4. Explain the "Why"
"It's not just about picking a skill—it's about picking the right skill for the context."
Case Files for Review
Case #A
"THE BLOWOUT"
A student is screaming at a teacher in the hallway. They are shaking, their face is purple, and they are refusing to go to the office.
STATE: HIGH ENERGY / OUT OF CONTROL
Case #B
"THE SHUTDOWN"
A student is curled in a ball in the back of the library. They are crying silently, breathing very fast, and won't answer anyone.
STATE: ANXIOUS / PANIC ATTACK
What makes a "Golden Prescription"?
ACCURACY
Does your distress rating (0-100) match the character's body signs?
LOGIC
Is the skill you chose possible in the environment they are in?
SCIENCE
Did you explain how the skill "hacks" the body to help the brain?
TIPP IS A SUPERPOWER
By mastering these skills, you are learning to control your biology instead of letting your biology control you .
"Go forth and consult."
Crisis Consultant Report Worksheet Consultant Report #____
Official Crisis Intervention Plan
Consultant:
Case Date:
01 The Situation Analysis
Case Summary (Write the case name or brief summary):
Body Sign Observations:
Distress Level:
/ 100
02 TIPP Protocol Prescription
Primary Intervention (Which TIPP skill?):
Instructions for the Character (How do they do it?):
Secondary Intervention (To follow up):
Science Rationale (Why this skill for this state?):
03 Outcome Prediction
If protocol is followed:
"The character will be at a distress level of ______ and will now be able to..."
If protocol is NOT followed:
"The character's situation will likely result in..."
Certified Consultant
The Crisis Consultant Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Lesson 5
The Crisis Consultant Project
Project Overview
This final lesson serves as the summative assessment for the unit. Students transition from "learners" to "consultants," which builds confidence and reinforces that these skills are professional, clinical tools used in real-world psychology.
Grading Focus (Rubric Elements):
Appropriateness: Did they choose a "quiet" skill for a quiet setting, or an "active" skill for a high-energy meltdown?Physiological Logic: Did they use terms like "heart rate," "prefrontal cortex," or "adrenaline"?Empathy: Is their advice respectful and empathetic to the character's distress?
Facilitation Notes
You can assign different cases (from the slides) to different groups or allow students to choose. If time allows, have "Consulting Teams" present their plans to the "client" (you or another student).
The "Probing" Question:
If a student suggests "Paced Breathing" for a character who is screaming (Case A), ask: "That's a great skill, but if they are screaming, can they actually control their breath yet? What might need to happen first?"
Case A Tips
High Energy Anger. Needs Temperature (T) to shock the heart rate down or Intense Exercise (I) to burn adrenaline. Paced breathing comes after the initial shock.
Case B Tips
Panic/Shutdown. Temperature (T) is excellent for panic attacks. Paced Breathing (P) is essential but may need to start with "Short In, Long Out" to avoid hyperventilation.
Final Wrap-Up
"Remind students that becoming a 'consultant' for others makes it much easier to remember to consult for themselves when they are in their own 90+ crisis."
