Information night on HSE's '˜Stress Control' programme

Stress control is a free six-session programme. Each session lasts for 90 minutes and is delivered once a week. ‘Stress Control’ was devised by Dr.Jim White, a clinical psychologist in Glasgow to help the large number of people who complained of stress and who were keen to learn how to tackle their problems themselves.

Through research, this evidence-based course has been improved over the years and stress control is now available in many different countries.

Stress affects people from all walks of life.

Although no two people will have exactly the same problems, we all have a lot in common when we are feeling stressed. We can find it hard to relax, we can worry a great deal, we can lose confidence and a sense of control and get despondent.

Our relationships at home or at work may suffer as we become more snappy and irritable, our thinking becomes less clear, more confused and consequently we may make poor decisions in our day to day affairs.

People who come to Stress Control come to learn simple strategies for alleviating stress, and the course is delivered by the presenters in such a way that people do not need to interact, this makes it less stressful for participants, there are no embarrassing exercises, just simple information explained in such a way that people learn over the course how to become their own therapists. Handouts are given for each session, and people practice the exercises between sessions

In order to continue the development of Community Health Services the HSE in Donegal is carrying out a research study carried out into the potential mental health benefits of the six week ‘Stress Control’ programme.

There are two stress control programmes due to take place in Colgan Hall, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal in January .

You are invited to attend either the Tuesday or Wednesday evening class from 6.30 – 8.00 pm. If you wish to participate, you are invited to go along to the information night on Wednesday, September 7th at 6:30 pm. You will be asked to complete a number of short questionnaires about your levels of stress, anxiety and depression.

Staff from the Mental Health Centre, Buncrana will be available to provide assistance. As part of the study you will be asked to complete the same questionnaires at the end of the six week programme and again three months later. All of the information taken will be kept confidential and secure. You must be 18 or over to participate. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. All welcome.

For more information on this study please contact: Christina Corbett (Senior Clinical Psychologist) on Tel: 074 93 62529 or e mail [email protected]

If stress is concerning you or someone you know it’s important to talk to your GP to get help and advice.

For a list of all stress control programmes being held in Donegal, please visit Donegal Mind Wellness website at http://donegalmindwellness.ie/courses/