School Counsellor 

Hi everyone, 

Recently I completed some great mental health training and wanted to share with you a lovely and helpful analogy that works across many age groups.

It’s called the “coping cupboard”:  When we are under stress, we all look for coping mechanisms. Some of these are automatic and others we have better control of. Some of the items in our coping cupboard are “positive” and some are “negative” but getting in touch with what’s in each of our coping cupboards by way of brainstorming, is a good start. 

So, have a think about what your own/or kids’ coping mechanisms are; and your relationship with each of them. My relationship with coffee and Cherry Ripe is certainly dear to my heart – and helpful when I am stressed!

So, here’s a list of some things that could be in a coping cupboard….and maybe you can add some things that seem helpful!

• Exercise, yoga, going to bed early
• Biting nails, eczema
• Comfort eating, healthy eating, baking, cleaning out the pantry
• Treats like hot baths, oils, hand creams, candles
• Watching a classic movie, watching a re-run of your favourite AFL grand final
• Zoning out with some music, funny YouTube videos.
• Retail therapy, weeding, phoning up an old friend, taking a mental health day from work

Thank you.

Em Bieber

Drop me a line or give me a call if you would like any information.

Emily Bieber: ebieber@kalinda.vic.edu.au or 9876 3289