BLUE HEALERS
Learning how to cope with everyday stress...
ANXIETY about work, relationships or finances can affect everyone, so a free program to develop the tools to cope in times of trouble will be held in Dubbo next month.
The National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) will be hosting a two-day workshop, known as the Blue Healers program, from March 10-11, to help people manage depression, stress and anxiety in their everyday lives.
The program was developed in 2007 by centre chief and counsellor Trudy Hanson. She created it in response to the negative effect she saw the drought was having on many people in the region, but the outcome has been so successful that the program is now offered across NSW.
The course this year will be facilitated by NALAG coordinator Shelley Carolan and Kerry Lyn Strain, who have both been trained by Ms Hanson directly.
Over the course of the weekend, participants will be taught topics including “diet and exercise, relaxation, sleep, self-esteem and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or ‘changing your thinking’,” Ms Carolan said.
“The course is for everyday people whose life is just a bit tough at the moment. You’ve got too much to do, you feel like you’ve hit the wall and you’re not enjoying life anymore. We bring tools back into your life to help you cope,” Ms Carolan told Dubbo Photo News.
“Who doesn’t have a little bit of stress, depression or anxiety in their life? It’s not always a bad thing, but when it’s too hard, it’s time to talk.”
Attendees can expect informal group sessions but talking isn’t compulsory. The topics are educational to provide people with practical strategies to face challenges, rather than one-on-one counselling.
“We get a dietitian in to talk about food, and a GP to talk about medications and recovery. We’ll share meals and socialise. All the education is given to you in a take-home folder which can be a reference for later on. When you’re under stress and life’s difficult, you can forget,” Ms Carolan said.
Participants are also given a copy of the Eating for Happiness cookbook, from which the meals over the weekend will be taken. It’s a mixture of healthy recipes and comfort food.
“It’s for when people can’t be bothered... full of simple basic, beautiful recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or work. For example, banana custard for dessert – just like Nana made,” Ms Carolan said.
Although both Shelley and Kerry are passionate about the program and have guided so many people through it over the years, they have found often it will be the group members themselves who help each other out, and then maintain friendships beyond the weekend.
“[Attendees] might catch up for a walk or go see a movie, which helps when you feel socially isolated,” Ms Carolan said.
As one past participant said, “[the program] makes you realise you are not alone.”
Ring 6882 9222 or visit nalag. org.au for more information.