COVID-19 through the lens of mental health in India: Present status and future directions

This book provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of people and communities in India. Focusing on the current discourse on Mental Health literacy in India, the book also analyses COVID-19-specific health beliefs and their convergences and divergences with COVID-19 protocols and advisories. It discusses the impact of the pandemic on survivors of COVID-19 including their quality of life, psychological well-being, and coping mechanisms while tackling loneliness, loss, and grief. It explores the psychological and social challenges which children have faced during the pandemic and offers techniques to address and adequately manage Mental Health challenges. Grounded in theoretical and empirical research, this book will be of interest to students, teachers, and researchers of psychology, social psychology, Mental Health and wellness studies, and sociology. It will also be useful for academicians, social workers, healthcare workers, and psychologists. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Factors to improve online education: A study on the impact of COVID-19 on Delhi students

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, people worldwide had to self-quarantine in their homes, resulting in the youth having to continue their education online. The lockdown and the effects of the pandemic impacted students' mental health, exhibiting frustration, stress, and depression. The latter is not ideal for a healthy learning environment, as it involves many coping mechanisms. This study analyzed a database compiling the habits of 1182 individuals in different age groups at various educational institutes in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), India. It identifies factors leading to proposing recommendations to improve students' online education experiences worldwide and facilitate their learning while caring for their mental health. A CRISP-DM methodology was followed to build a model capable of predicting students' satisfaction ratings for online classes by analyzing the students' demographic information and daily habits. © 2023 IEEE.

Coping with Academic and Family Expectations during COVID-19: Perspectives of Female Students of Durban University of Technology

Coping with COVID-19 has been difficult for humankind globally. While there has been an assessment of the challenges people face concerning COVID-19, there is sparse research on the coping mechanisms used in different spheres. This paper lurched into this gap and looked specifically at selected female students of the Durban University of Technology, exploring their coping processes as they balance the reality of COVID-19 and the challenges of university life. Folkman and Lazarus' (1988) coping theory and the associated ways of coping (WCQ) factors (confrontive coping, distancing, self-controlling, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, escape-avoidance, planful problem-solving and positive reappraisal) are the foundations of this study's conceptual framework. This study used the WCQ factors within a qualitative interpretive analysis to interpret reflective pieces of 14 female students enrolled in a university-wide module – Cornerstone. The module aims to induct students into the higher education community with the values and practices that promote self-awareness, social justice and environmental knowledge. Findings revealed the difficulty experienced by the students in balancing life and academic contexts. The study also showed that COVID-19 had worsened their social realities because of the regulations on social distancing and public gatherings, thus inhibiting educational or physical social contact. These made female students vulnerable to mental health issues. Therefore, they used multiple coping mechanisms to deal with challenges during the COVID-19 period.

Effects of personality traits on mindful self-care practices of healthcare workers.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) placed healthcare professionals (HCPs) at a higher risk for stress-related conditions. Implementing a brief online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) was hypothesised to transform the HCPs' ability to cope with stress by enhancing their self-care. Aim: This study aimed to explore the impact of an online MBI on HCPs' self-care practices and determine if personality traits were a moderating variable. Setting: An online MBI was implemented for HCPs working in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Methods: A quantitative study design included a pre-assessment and post-assessment component, which allowed paired comparison and regression analysis to confer correlations. Data were collected via two validated instruments: the Mindful Self-Care scale-2018 and the Big Five Personality test. Results: Forty-nine HCPs participated in the study. Significant improvements were found in all the major self-care subscales post-intervention (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between the personality traits and self-care except for neuroticism, which appeared to be an essential moderating variable. Conclusion: An online MBI significantly impacted health professionals' ability to care for themselves, despite their personality styles. Contribution: The impact of an online MBI on HCPs' self-care during the most intense time of stress and with a cohort of people known to be the most vulnerable to stress, namely those with neuroticism to date, has not been commented on.

The impact of perceived stress on the health of lab technicians: A pilot investigation

Introduction: Stress and the ability to cope with stress can influence the health and performance of laboratory technicians. This is especially true in the current circumstances of a global pandemic which has placed a tremendous amount of stress on healthcare professionals, including laboratory technicians. However, there is little to no research in India about the relationship between stress and coping abilities and its influence on health and work performance. Objective(s): To assess the self-reported stress levels, perceived coping effectiveness, coping techniques & health behaviours of lab technicians. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross-sectional observational study was done using a structured questionnaire among 152 lab technicians working in a lab chain across 3 states in Western India. Result(s): The responses indicated that the lab technicians had less than ideal stress levels. 80.3% reported moderate-to-very high stress levels;51.3% slept less than 8 hours of sleep per night;53.3 to 61.2% did not exercise regularly;30.9% consumed less than 2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day;and 9.2% were classified as binge drinkers. When confronted with workplace stress, 34.1% reported that they consumed more food than usual (28.3% reported that they consumed more junk food), 48.1% reported a loss of appetite and eating less food than usual, 45.4% reported losing sleep. Lab technicians in the "high stress and poor coping" group reported a statistically significant higher number of days feeling worried, tense or anxious, sad or depressed. The attitudes of lab technicians to preventive health in the COVID-19 pandemic (especially considering the increased risk of co-morbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic) were also less than ideal: 83.6% did not undergo a preventive health check-up package in the past year, 55.9% had not visited a doctor for a general physical exam in the past year. Conclusion(s): Given the amount of stress and work that has been placed on the diagnostic industry over the past 2 years, it is imperative that we understand the stress levels, coping adequacy and health behaviours of lab technicians who form the backbone of the industry. As the results of this pilot study show, there is an immediate need to implement worksite health promotion programmes focusing on stress reduction, stress management and the development of healthy coping skills.

Nurses' Perceptions Regarding Exposure to COVID-19 Risks, and Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on their Work and Psychosocial Health: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus (COVID) is a large family of RNA viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe symptoms. Objectives: Determine nurses' perceptions in Saudi Arabia regarding their risks, measures and coping mechanisms to prevent COVID-19 infection and transmission and the significant associated factors for their anxiety. Methods: This is a correlational cross-sectional study. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit a total of 345 nurses. A valid and reliable questionnaire was adapted from a previous study and the generalized anxiety disorder-2 items (GAD-2) scale was used to collect the data. Results: The majority of the participants (75.7%) perceived that they were most likely at risk of getting COVID-19. In terms of preventative actions,84.3% said they were avoiding crowded places, 77.4% were adhering to protocols and recommended measures, about 73.0% of participants were taking nutritional supplements and vitamins, practicing exercises, and changing out of work clothes, 54.8% were taking a shower before going home, and 53.9% were temporarily staying away from home in alternative housing to prevent having COVID-19 or transmitting the virus to their relatives. Furthermore, significant association was found between the participants' anxiety and the male gender (r=0.1, p=0.04), less nursing experience (r=0.41, p=0.02), number of children (r=0.35, p=0.03). Additionally, participants exposed to COVID-19 patients, who did not implement the measures and coping mechanisms to prevent COVID-19 were significantly associated with a high level of GAD-2. Conclusion: The majority of nurses perceived that they were at high risk of getting COVID-19 and were concerned that they could easily transmit COVID-19 to their relatives. As a result, many implemented preventive measures to protect themselves and prevent transmission of COVID-19 to their families and relatives. The continued attendance of health education programs about COVID-19 as well as the implementation of basic standard precautions, is essential to protect health workers and their families. © 2022 Elneblawi et al.

Living alone in lockdown: Impact on mental health and coping mechanisms among young working adults.

In the wake of declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the Prime Minister of India announced a nationwide lockdown to curb its spread. Subsequently, some groups of people found themselves away from their family or friends, and were unable to return to them. The aim of the research was to explore the lives of young adults who were living alone and working, during the lockdown in India. Focus was on their daily living, their relationships and their mental health. Twelve participants residing in various cities of India were included via the Internet. Focus group discussions were used to attain the objectives of the study. The data that emerged from the discussions, was analysed using thematic analysis. All participants had experienced different kinds of disruptions in their life due to the lockdown. This effect was mediated by their financial situation, their general comfort and preference for living alone, media, opportunities for non-virtual interactions and other kinds of recreation, quality of relationships and more. Though there were similarities in their coping methods, their perspective on the lockdown, the meaning they attributed to their current situation and their vision for their future was unique.

‘They don't realise how hard it is'. Investigating the lived experiences of higher education students with parental responsibilities during the Covid-19 pandemic

Anecdotal reports of student parents' challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic prompted this explorative study;investigating the lived experiences of UK student parents and the provision of Higher Education support. Data was derived from 91 online surveys, 20 follow-up interviews, and analysis of 100 university websites. This occurred during the pandemic lockdowns whenthe stresses, challenges and opportunities of balancing their simultaneous roles of parent and student were intensified due to school closures. The Double ABC-X model provided a framework for examining participant's lived experiences, and the role that Higher Education institutions could play in effecting positive coping and adaptation. Findings indicate that universities need to implement strategies to enhance support for this sector, including greater awareness of the vulnerabilities and challenges involved, more flexibility and adaptability in the university ethos, formal and informal policies and structures to provide more effective support and advice for juggling these simultaneous demands. © 2023 The Authors. Higher Education Quarterly published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Community stressors and coping mechanisms in accessing the health system during a double crisis: a qualitative case study from Yangon Region, Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political crisis, Myanmar's health system has suspended routine services while struggling to respond to the pandemic. Many people who need continuous care, like pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, have been facing challenges in seeking and receiving essential health services. This study explored community health seeking practices and coping mechanisms, including their views on health system stressors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study based on 12 in-depth-interviews with pregnant people and persons with pre-existing chronic health conditions in Yangon. Sampling was purposive, convenience-based and snowball sampling was also used. The 3-delays framework was used to understand how persons were interacting with and accessing health care services; community and health system stressors and coping mechanisms in relation to COVID-19 were also identified. RESULTS: Findings showed that Yangon region was the hardest hit with both the pandemic and political crisis and its health system was greatly affected. People were unable to access essential health services on time. The health facilities were not available to see patients, with serious shortages in human resources, medicines and equipment, resulting in interruption of essential routine services. The prices of medicines and consultation fees, and transportation costs, increased during this period. Limited options for accessing care were available due to travel restrictions and curfews. It became challenging to receive quality care because of unavailable public facilities and private hospitals being costly. Despite these challenges, the Myanmar people and health system have shown resilience. Cohesive and organized family support structures and extended and deep social networks played an important role in accessing health care. At times of emergency, people relied on community-based social organizations for transportation and accessing essential medicines. The health system also showed resilience through establishing new service provision options, such as teleconsultations, mobile clinics, and sharing medical advice through social media. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Myanmar to explore peoples' perceptions on COVID-19, the health system and their healthcare experiences during political crisis. Although there is no easy way to cope with this dual hardship, the people and the health system, even in a fragile and shock-prone setting like Myanmar, stayed resilient by developing alternative pathways for seeking and providing health services.

Shifts in Stressors, Internalizing Symptoms, and Coping Mechanisms of Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

As the frontline of our education system, teachers endure greater job-related stress than other professionals, even under the best of circumstances. While they were already exposed to certain stressors affecting their emotional health, the pandemic outbreak introduced new challenges putting teachers at risk of experiencing higher rates of emotional distress. This longitudinal study aimed to identify changes in teaching stressors and teachers' coping strategies in the period before the pandemic to the immediate outbreaks of COVID-19 in Fall 2020. In addition, we examined the correlation of teachers' coping approaches with stress, anxiety, and depression to understand if coping strategies correlate and predict such emotional distress. To this end, 376 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in Iran in the first wave and 351 in the second wave completed a battery of validated inventories capturing their emotional distress, teaching stressors, and coping approaches. The mean scores of the stressors and coping strategies across two waves indicated significant shifts toward using functional coping strategies upon experiencing new demands. Furthermore, we found that novice teachers experienced higher rates of stress and anxiety, which were positively associated with dysfunctional coping strategies. The results of the stepwise regression analysis with (dys)functional coping strategies indicated that coping mechanisms significantly account for 25% of variances in stress, anxiety, and depression. The implications of the study regarding promoting teacher mental health through identifying the risk factors associated with dysfunctional coping strategies have been discussed.

Junior doctors' wellbeing at peak and post-peak pandemic: a repeated cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals has been significant. The aim of this study was to explore the mental state and wellbeing of UK junior doctors at different phases of the initial outbreak. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of UK-based junior doctors' perceptions of threat and support during and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and use of coping mechanisms were explored through a Google questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six participants were included in this study (93 in period A and 103 in period B). Junior doctors reported feeling increased risk (p=0.001) and increased fear of contracting the virus (p<0.001) during period A. Increased levels of severe anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score >15) along with increased cases level of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score >10) were reported for both periods. Junior doctors described suffering more frequently with flashbacks (p=0.006) and nightmares (p=0.024) in comparison with senior colleagues during period A. During period A, 21.4% of participants felt isolated at work (p<0.001), whereas 13% reported being easily annoyed on a daily basis, 11.7% reported very low morale (p<0.001) and 66% were not aware of any psychological support being available. The use of exercise, peer support and mindfulness apps increased during period B (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare systems need to urgently establish robust psychological support mechanisms and infrastructure to protect junior doctors and provide institutional resilience against the adverse consequences of the long physical and mental battle with COVID-19.

Experiences of Patients in Turkey with Breast Cancer throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and their Coping Mechanisms: A Qualitative Study.

This research was conducted in Turkey to determine the experiences and coping mechanisms of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted using qualitative descriptive phenomenology. Data were collected from ten patients via in-depth interviews through semi-structured questionnaires. Content analysis, incorporating a combination of deductive and inductive approaches, was conducted to determine the themes and subthemes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, simultaneously with the analysis and collected data. The study data were categorized into 3 contexts, 7 themes and 39 subthemes. The first context titled "Problems accompanying the disease" includes the effects of the pandemic, the fear of being infected with COVID-19 and hospital-related themes. The second context titled "Coping strategies" comprises the themes of coping behaviors and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The last context is titled "Anxiety about being infected, and suggestions for the future". In the study, problems experienced by patients with breast cancer throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated from a broad perspective. Patients treated in chemotherapy units constitute the vulnerable group affected by the pandemic most. Therefore, it is important to investigate the experiences of oncology patients, particularly of patients with breast cancer and their coping strategies, and to take necessary precautions accordingly.

Lived Experiences of Higher Education Institution Students in Online Learning Classes in the New Normal

The challenges brought about by the academic migration to online platform due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has long been established. The author of this paper explicitly investigated the attitude of learners towards online classes. This study highlights the issues being encountered by learners enrolled in virtual learning environment along with the importance of having a concrete strategic plan as to how to cope with the current issues being encountered by students to readily adapt to online classes. The results revealed that there were several recurring themes that emerged when asked about their experiences in online classes. Under the key topic (A) effects of online class – (1) difficulty in learning process and (2) affordability and accessibility of time and place. Under the key topic (B) issues and problems experienced in online classes, there were three themes that emerged– (1) issues in internet connectivity, (2) lack of proper resources such as gadgets, and (3) lower productivity rate. In third key topic, (C) the coping mechanisms of students under online learning classes in which there are two themes that emerged – (1) finding alternatives and (2) practice of time management. And in the last key topic, (D) what the participants could recommend improving their learning process under online learning classes. There were two themes that emerged in the focus group discussion – (1) It was concluded in the study that the issues being encountered by students in online classes have an impact not only on their academic performance but also to their psychological well-being. Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal.

Exploring the lived experiences of women with children during COVID-19: Maternal stress and coping mechanisms.

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study of mothers' lived experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States. An analysis of open-ended interviews with 44 mothers who had children ages zero-to-five identified two main themes: (1) increased stress among mothers; and (2) resilience through the use of coping mechanisms. The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher stress among mothers due to issues of work-family life balance, family and children's needs, decision-making about getting sick, concerns for children's development, and lack of clarity from government officials. Mothers described using a variety of problem-focused and emotion-focused methods to cope with this stress. The lived experiences of mothers during the pandemic highlights the need for innovations in childcare modalities, paid leave policies to relieve stress, and strengthening whole family processes and resilience through the use of coping mechanisms.

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of general population in India

Background: COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to mental health. The perception of stress and its adaptation are determined by individual’s risk perception and coping mechanisms. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the perceived stress and behavioral responses owing to COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The online survey recruited 621 respondents. The survey included (1) sociodemographic variables, (2) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10 item inventory, (3) four items on experience of stress, and (4) eight items on mental health-related lifestyle changes and societal support during the pandemic. Results: Out of 621, majority were females (54.1%) and belonged to the age group of 18–30 years (66.02%). Moderate perceived stress was observed in 67.1% of the respondents. The mean PSS scores were significantly higher among females, age group of 18–30 years, unmarried, educational qualification below undergraduation, and students. Higher perception of work and financial stress were present in 52.67% and 48.3%, respectively. Increased concern about family and vulnerability was confirmed by 89.05% and 54.59%, respectively. Increased work stress was negatively associated with attention toward mental health, emotional support, physical activity, and hobbies. Greater concern for family and vulnerability had showed positive association with attention toward mental health, emotional support, and protective behavior. Conclusion: In COVID-19 pandemic, females, younger age, and students had significantly higher stress perception. Work and financial stress were associated with maladaptive responses, whereas concern about family and feeling vulnerable were accompanied by positive adaptive responses. Thus, evaluating the cognitive and behavioral responses to stressors is imperative to quantify individual’s stress perception during exposure to a stressful situation such as pandemic.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games on Promoting Social Well-Being in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the popularity of online gaming;people used gaming as a coping mechanism to help relieve psychological distress while self-isolating. Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) in particular saw an increase in users through 2020. We present a study of the impact of established communities on social well-being within one MMORPG. We conducted an online survey (402 participants) in World of Warcraft-specific Discord and Reddit communities in March 2021. Our survey consisted of multiple choice and short answer questions to gauge how players' perceived well-being was impacted by in-game relationships and interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our qualitative thematic analysis indicated that World of Warcraft helped participants form valued, meaningful relationships with other players, gave them a sense of purpose, and alleviated negative feelings brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these results, we describe the unique affordances of MMORPG platforms that support social connection, and provide design recommendations to MMORPG developers for facilitating positive social interactions. © 2022 ACM.

Coping mechanisms used by pharmacists to deal with stress, what is helpful and what is harmful?

Background: Australian pharmacists encountered increased stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of the coping mechanisms used to manage this high work-related stress. Identifying useful and harmful coping mechanisms is critical for providing advice regarding addressing pharmacists' future work-related stress. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the impact of pharmacy work on stress experienced by Australian pharmacists and the coping mechanisms used during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also aimed to evaluate the pharmacists' perceptions of the impact of these coping mechanisms on their stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Practising pharmacists and interns were recruited to complete an online survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), which was used to measure pharmacists' work-related stress, and the Brief-COPE scale, used to assess the coping mechanisms used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key outcome measure was the PSS score. A multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between coping mechanisms and stress levels in a sample of Australian pharmacists. Results: A total of 173 pharmacists and interns were recruited. The mean PSS was 18.02 (SD = 6.7). Avoidant coping mechanisms such as social withdrawal (ß = 0.31; p = 0.0001) were significantly positively associated with work-related stress. In contrast, exercise was significantly negatively associated with work-related stress (ß = -0.21; p = 0.009). The most frequently reported perceived barrier to seeking help was feeling burnt out and underappreciated. Conclusions: This study highlights the association of coping mechanisms used by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic with work-related stress. The study results demonstrate the importance of physical activity and spending time with pets in reducing work-related stress levels. Avoiding harmful coping mechanisms such as social withdrawal and drinking alcohol is recommended. This study also highlights the need for interventional studies to reduce work-related stress levels among pharmacists by addressing useful coping mechanisms.

Perceived stress, anxiety, stigma, and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study among physicians in the Mumbai metropolitan region

Context: Health-care workers (HCWs) are facing stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stigma is associated with poor mental health. Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and psychological impact of COVID-19-related stigma and different coping mechanisms among physicians in Mumbai. Settings and Design: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and seventy physicians from Mumbai were administered questionnaires on perceived stress, anxiety, COVID-19-related stigma, and coping strategies. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and binary logistic regression in the SPSS, version 20.0. Results: The prevalence of stress and anxiety was 57.6% and 20.0%, respectively. 34.7% of physicians felt stigmatized due to COVID-19. Stress was significantly associated with COVID-19-related stigma (P = 0.009), and emotion-oriented coping (P = 0.000), as was anxiety (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions: COVID-19-related stigma is a major issue among physicians. Stigma and emotion-oriented coping mechanisms are predictive of mental distress in this population.

Sex as Leisure as a Coping Mechanism with the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sex Life

This study examined the capacity of sex as leisure approach to serve as a coping strategy with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex life and its relationships with people’s tendency to use other coping mechanisms and benefit from them. The cross-sectional data were collected using an online survey (N = 675, 65.9% women, age range:18-76yo). The analysis included t-tests and multivariate multiple regressions. Results show that many people used sex as leisure approach as a coping strategy with the impacts of the pandemic on their sex lives and found it useful. Sex as leisure approach included attitudinal, behavioral, and technologically mediated strategies. The use and capacity to benefit from sex as leisure coping strategy had significant (and in most cases, large) effects on people’s propensity to use and find useful other sexual coping mechanisms, including creativity and pleasure, diversion, goal-setting, relational, educational, caution/logistical, online and technology, and innovation/experimentation coping strategies. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Leisure Sciences is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Elementary public school teachers' coping mechanisms used during the COVID-19 pandemic in north Texas: A phenomenological study

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe elementary public school teachers' experiences coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping theory, the study answered the central research question: How do elementary public school teachers describe their experiences coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic? The sub-questions addressed: What psychological, physical, and emotional mechanisms are elementary public school teachers using to cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic? Purposeful sampling and maximum variation sampling were used to select 14 elementary public school teachers' who experienced teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The setting of the study was North Texas Independent School District. The data collection methods used included participant journaling, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. The data was analyzed using Moustakas's data analysis which began with epoche, then transcendental-phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and synthesis of composite textural and composite descriptions. Two themes were identified through data analysis which included teacher stress and teacher coping mechanisms. Findings indicated that teachers had faced much adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic in ways such as students, technology, and instruction;however, they have been resilient throughout the pandemic. Psychological, physical, and emotional coping mechanisms have helped teachers cope with their stress. Implications for research suggested that helping teachers find adequate outlets to cope with their stress could be effective. Recommendations for future research are provided.  (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)