Free Stress Control Classes Commencing This January in Cumbernauld

A new weekly delivery of the free and popular NHS Lanarkshire Stress Control class will begin this January in Cumbernauld, with an open invitation extended to all.

Stress can cause many different symptoms, and it can affect how you feel physically, mentally and also how you behave. And of course it’s not always easy to recognise when stress is the reason you’re feeling or acting differently.

Stress Control classes are designed 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.

The upcoming class will consist of six sessions lasting 90 minutes each, commencing on Thursday 16 January 2020 from 10.00am-11.30am at New College Lanarkshire’s Cumbernauld Campus, Town Centre, Cumbernauld, G67 1HU. Sessions will take place every Thursday at the same time thereafter until the final session of Thursday 20 February 2020.

Individual issues will not be spoken about during the sessions, with participants 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 and sleep problems and wellbeing and controlling the future.

This class is highly recommended by Cumbernauld Community Health Information Hub for anyone experiencing any symptoms or conditions related to stress, with attendees able to bring someone along for support. As well as in Cumbernauld, new and free classes are also beginning during January-February 2020 in Bellshill, Carluke, Coatbridge, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Rutherglen and Wishaw (click on poster link at the bottom of this article for full dates).

Some Other Things That Can Help If You Are Under Stress

In addition to attending the Stress Control classes, there are a number of other things that you can do to help at times you’re 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.

One other course available locally for those experiencing feelings of low mood, stress and distress is Living Life to the Full. This is a 12-hour course, delivered in Cumbernauld and free of charge by Cornerstone House Centre, which involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

As with the Stress Control classes, a new delivery of Living Life to the Full will begin in early 2020. For more details, please contact Cornerstone House Centre on 01236 739220 or email familyhub@cornerstone-house.org.uk.

Further information about the Stress Control classes can be obtained by contacting NHS Lanarkshire on 0300 303 0447 or emailing stresscontrol@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk. Alternatively, individuals can just attend the first session of the class on Thursday 16 January 2020, with no prior booking required.   

Click here to download NHS Lanarkshire’s Stress Control Class Poster