25 September 2015
NHS Borders is running a series of weekly classes throughout October 2015 to give people practical advice on managing stress.
Coping with life’s everyday challenges can lead to stress in many different forms. To help cope with these stresses, free classes are being run in Peebles throughout the month and will take the form of hour long sessions.
This is a great opportunity to come along to one or all of the classes to learn about the common effects of stress, and get some practical advice. Classes will be run by Sinead Murray, Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology within NHS Borders Mental Health Service, and Neil Hendry, Stressbusters volunteer.
These classes are not group therapy and you will not be asked to talk about yourself or your personal circumstances. If you feel that you need further one-to-one support then you will be encouraged to contact your GP for more appropriate support. Support group contacts, self-help leaflets and DVDs will also be available at the classes.
Classes will take place at Peebles Library on the 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd October from 5.30 – 6.30pm. The classes are free to everyone, however booking is essential. Please contact Peebles Library on 01721 726333 to reserve your place.
The programme for the classes will run in the following order:
Week 1 - Thursday 1 October: Understanding stress
Week 2 - Thursday 8 October: Improving sleep and relaxation
Week 3 - Thursday 15 October: Managing thoughts that bother you
Week 4 – Thursday 22 October: Feeling better about yourself
Sinead Murray, Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology and one of the organisers of the programme, said: “Stress is a commonly experienced problem. Feeling under pressure whilst managing life’s everyday challenges can lead to problems such as disturbed sleep, an inability to relax, feeling tense, anxious or irritable, persistent worrying or loss of self-confidence.
“Through our stress management classes we hope to educate people about the common signs and effects of stress, equip them with some practical skills and techniques to relieve the symptoms, and give advice to help manage stress more effectively in the future.
“Our classes are open to everyone and they are free. You may want to come along for your own benefit, or to gain knowledge and skills to help you support a family member or friend overcome stress. In either case you are sure to gain some value by taking part.”
To keep up to date on important mental health issues in the Borders including information on stress management classes and other helpful resources make sure you Follow Stressbusters on Twitter @StressBusters14 or on Facebook Stressbusters14.