As Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 continues, the people of Cumbernauld can take advantage of free online Stress Control classes that provide advice and support to help deal with anxiety and stress during May.
Stress Control classes are normally delivered regularly by NHS Lanarkshire to help local people develop skills and techniques to manage common issues caused by modern day living such as stress, anxiety or low confidence, which can affect wellbeing.
Following a successful first delivery in April and with face to face classes postponed at present due to the national coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, a programme of six 90-minute online Stress Control sessions delivered by Dr Jim White commenced on Monday 11 May 2020 via www.stresscontrol.org.
There are still three sessions remaining in the current block, taking place on Thursday 21 May 2020, Monday 25 May 2020 and Thursday 28 May 2020, streamed twice a day at 2.00pm and 8.30pm. Each session is also repeated the next day at the same times for anyone who can’t tune in on Monday’s or Thursday’s. Dr Simon Stuart, Clinical Psychologist with NHS Lanarkshire, said:
“In April, more than 5000 people watched each of the free sessions.
“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 98 per cent of respondents saying that the classes had provided them with information and skills to better manage stress.
“Lots of us will be feeling all sorts of difficult emotions in these very difficult times. It is great news that Stress Control is back online, and that it will be streaming more often.
“Stress Control is packed with ideas for staying on top of thoughts and feelings, and I’d recommend it to everyone.” Dr Gary Tanner, NHS Lanarkshire’s Director of Psychological Services, added:
“With people currently unable to attend Stress Control groups in person, these virtual classes, streamed twice-weekly via YouTube across the UK, will help people find ways to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood. Each class is supported by a series of useful booklets.”
Stress Control was developed in Scotland and now runs around the world. It teaches Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills to help deal with common problems such as anxiety, depression, panicky feelings, poor sleep and poor wellbeing.
Stress can cause many different symptoms, and it can affect how you feel physically, mentally and also how you behave. It’s not always easy to recognise when stress is the reason you’re feeling or acting differently.
During the online sessions, participants are encouraged just to sit back and listen about helpful stress control techniques. Subjects covered during the sessions include learning about stress, controlling your body, controlling your thoughts, controlling your actions, controlling panic, managing sleep problems, general wellbeing and controlling the future.
This programme is highly recommended by Cumbernauld Community Health Information Hub for anyone experiencing any symptoms or conditions related to stress.
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Some Things That Can Help If You Are Under Stress
In addition to attending the Stress Control Classes, NHS Lanarkshire provides the below suggestion of helpful things that you can do if you are experiencing stress.
For example, try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professional. You could also contact Samaritans (telephone number 116 123), or email jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to.
Another option is to find out more about 10 stress busters, including getting started with exercise and setting aside time for yourself, which you could also use time-management techniques or calming breathing exercises.
Considering peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other, is another excellent option. You can find out more about peer support on the Mind website. Planning ahead for stressful days or events – such as planning long journeys or making a list of things to remember – can also really help.
Listening to free mental wellbeing audio guides is another idea, as is searching for and downloading relaxation and mindfulness apps or online community apps from the NHS apps library.
Another option for those experiencing feelings of low mood, stress and distress is participating in the personal development programme Living Life to the Full. This is a 12-hour course, delivered locally and free of charge by Cornerstone House Centre, which involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
The course aims to help individuals manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave. The sessions focus on the concept that a person’s thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can cause a vicious cycle.
It is planned that a new delivery of Living Life to the Full will begin later in 2020 once coronavirus restrictions are lifted and public gatherings are deemed safe by Scottish Government. For further information or to express interest in taking part, please contact Cornerstone House Centre on 07940 569527 or email familyhub@cornerstone-house.org.uk.
Further information about the online Stress Control classes can be obtained by visiting www.stresscontrol.org. Stress Control online is a useful source of help, advice and support for everyone in Lanarkshire during these challenging times.