HSE provides free stress management support classes
The HSE is delivering free stress control classes each month online via the Stresscontrol.ie YouTube channel.
The programme helps participants recognise the signs of stress and teaches skills to overcome panicky feelings and tips to getting a good night’s sleep.
Dr Aisling Sheehan Head of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme HSE, said: “Stress is a very real presence in people’s lives currently for a variety of reasons. Stress control is an evidenced-based programme, which encourages viewers to reflect on how stress and anxiety impacts on their lives and teaches practical ways to manage it.”
Dr Eddie Murphy, HSE Psychologist, said: “Stress Control will be available online in September and October and there are six different sessions. No matter what walk of life you are in or what your circumstances are, the reality is that managing stress is something we all have to deal with as part of modern life.
"The skills and insight that you can get from this course can really add to your resilience and I encourage people to participate to benefit their mental health,” he added.
The sessions are presented by Dr Jim White, an internationally recognised expert in stress management. Dr White explains how stress can manifest and affect people in different ways:
“There are many reasons that may cause people to become over-stressed, including exams, your job, financial pressures, relationships, new responsibilities, problems at school or college, an illness.
"Stress affects different people in different ways but it can affect how you feel emotionally, mentally and physically. It can affect how you behave and how you feel, you may feel emotionally overwhelmed, anxious or fearful, or you may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. It can also impact you physically, you might have headaches, tiredness, muscle tension or problems sleeping.”
This free programme was developed for anyone feeling they need some support in stress management. It will be live streamed on the Stresscontrol.ie YouTube channel during September and October on set days, the timetable is set out on the stresscontrol.ie website.
Each session is available for 3 days before the next session goes live.
Each session is 90 minutes a session and will cover different topics. Participants are encouraged to watch all sessions, but participants can join at any stage for one or more session.
· Session One: What is Stress, 9am Monday 12th (available until 8am 15th)
· Session Two: Controlling your body, 9am Thursday 15th (available until 8am 19th)
· Session Three: Controlling your thoughts, 9am Monday 19th (available until 8am 22nd)
· Session Four: Controlling your actions, 9am Thursday 22nd (available until 8am 26th)
· Session Five: Controlling panicky feelings and getting a good night’s sleep 9am Monday 26th (available until 8am 29th)
· Session Six: Controlling your future, 9am Thursday 29th (available until 8am 3rd October)
There are also information booklets on each topic available. Participants are encouraged to read the booklets before taking part to get the most benefit from each session.
For more information, visit https://stresscontrol.ie/