Essentially we all have a certain amount of stress that we can manage. The amount of stress is represented by the water in the bucket and can be influenced by increased stressors and decreased healthy coping mechanisms. At times the water can overflow from the bucket and this can lead to deterioration in mental health and crisis (see section on crisis). 

To stop the water overflowing, we can try to modify or remove (not always possible) the stressors or increase our healthy coping mechanisms. 

Unhealthy coping mechanisms such as illicit drug use, alcohol, avoidance and self harm, can temporarily relieve some of the pressure but in the end returns because it has not resolved the underlying problem and merely paused it. Furthermore it can create further problems increasing the stress or water in the bucket. 

See below for a further more in depth article about the stress bucket. You may find it useful to draw out your own stress bucket and think about what additional healthy coping mechanisms you can add or anything that can be done about your stressors.