Stress and psych support available

Lanarkshire residents are set to benefit from another series of free online stress control classes.

Following a successful introductory course in April, the new schedule will double the amount of classes being streamed.

From Monday, May 11, six free sessions will be shown four times.

This will give more people a chance to join in and learn valuable skills to stay on top of stress in these challenging times. The classes provide advice and support and help deal with anxiety and stress.

Stress Control was developed in Scotland and now run 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.

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.

“It is great news that Stress Control is coming back online, and that it will be streaming more often.

“Lots of us will be feeling all sorts of difficult emotions in these very difficult times. Stress Control is packed with ideas for staying on top of thoughts and feelings, and I’d recommend it to everyone.”

For dates and full details, including booklets and relaxation recordings to download, visit stresscontrol.org.

Meanwhile, a telephone helpline offering psychological support and advice to people during the pandemic is still available.

Designed and operated by NHS Lanarkshire psychological services, the public distress helpline aims to assist members of the public who are experiencing anxiety, low mood or other mental health issues in relation to COVID-19.

Anyone contacting the service will be assessed during the initial call and offered appropriate advice, signposting and support.

This can include access to computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) if required. If further help is needed, this can be arranged during the call.

Dr Gary Tanner, director of psychological services at NHS Lanarkshire, said:“The COVID-19 pandemic will affect people in many different ways.

“We hope that access to timely, specific, high-quality advice will provide people with useful coping strategies to maintain good mental health and well-being.

“Our team has been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes.”

The service can be contacted on 01698 687567 weekdays from 8am to 4pm.