The HSE is set to deliver a series of live webinars for people – including farmers – seeking to reduce and control stress and improve their overall mental health and well-being.
Its free stress control classes are available to watch free of charge each month online.
The body reports that in 2021, approximately 12,800 people availed of these supports.
The programme, it says, helps participants recognise the signs of stress and teaches skills to overcome panicky feelings and tips for getting a good night’s sleep.
The HSE developed the free programme 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.
Each session is available for three days before the next session goes live.
Sessions
Each session is 90 minutes a session and will cover different topics.
The HSE encourages participants to watch all sessions, but participants can join at any stage for one or more sessions.
- One: What is Stress? 9 am Monday 12th (available until 8 am 15th)
- Two: Controlling your body, 9 am Thursday 15th (available until 8 am 19th)
- Three: Controlling your thoughts, 9 am Monday 19th (available until 8 am 22nd)
- Four: Controlling your actions, 9 am Thursday 22nd (available until 8 am 26th)
- Five: Controlling panicky feelings and getting a good night’s sleep 9 am Monday 26th (available until 8 am 29th)
- Six: Controlling your future, 9 am Thursday 29th (available until 8 am 3rd October)
There are also information booklets on each topic available.
The HSE encourages participants to read the booklets before participating to get the most benefit from each session.
Dr Aisling Sheehan, Head of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme HSE, said that stress is a “very real” presence in people’s lives currently for a variety of reasons.
She explained that Stress Control is an evidenced-based programme which encourages viewers to reflect on how stress and anxiety impact their lives and teaches practical ways to manage it.
Stress Control will be available online in September and October, and there are six different sessions.
Dr Jim White, an internationally recognised expert in stress management, will present the sessions.
Dr White said many reasons might cause people to become over-stressed, including:
- Exams;
- Your job;
- Financial pressures;
- Relationships;
- New responsibilities;
- Problems at school or college;
- An illness.
He acknowledged that stress impacts different people in different ways, but it can affect how you feel emotionally, mentally and physically.
He continued: “It can affect how you behave and 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.”
Add to resilience
Dr Eddie Murphy, HSE psychologist, added:
“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 concluded.
To sign up or to find out more information, see this link.
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