Open Invitation to Free Online Stress Control Classes Beginning This April in Cumbernauld

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 April 2020.

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.

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 will begin on Monday 13 April 2020 via www.stresscontrol.org, streamed twice a day at 2.00pm and 8.30pm, and taking place every Monday and Thursday thereafter until the final session of Thursday 30 April 2020. Dr Simon Stuart, Clinical Psychologist with NHS Lanarkshire, said:

“Stress Control has already benefited thousands of people across Lanarkshire. In these very challenging times, it’s more valuable than ever that people can continue to get access to this kind of high-quality intervention.

“Everyone will find something to benefit them from Dr White’s excellent idea.” 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 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 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 and sleep problems and wellbeing and controlling the future.

The online class 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).

CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems. The therapy is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle.

It is planned that a new delivery of Living Life to the Full will begin in 2020 once coronavirus restrictions are lifted. 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.