Coping strategies: teachers and education staff 

We all experience stress and emotional pain in our life, but we all cope in different ways.

Coping mechanisms and coping strategies are things we do to try and protect ourselves from stress, anxiety, trauma, or any other mental health challenge. They could include anything from scrolling our mobile phones and running marathons to excess drinking or gambling. The aim of these behaviours is always is to escape the emotional discomfort we’re experiencing.

Some coping strategies may help in the short-term, but go on to cause harm longer term. Some coping mechanisms don’t have the same long-term cost on our health.

In these guides we look at some coping strategies that might cause longer term harm or distress including:

• Emotional eating
• Alcohol
• Addiction

Download the guides below to find out more about how to spot the signs of harm in yourself or a colleagues and where to get support if it’s needed.