Most people report feeling high levels of stress at some time in their lives. This ranges from mild anxiety because of short-term stressful situations, to more serious, longer-term conditions like depression.
Experiencing stress can be a major factor in other behaviour that can damage health like smoking, over eating and misuse of alcohol.
Stress can have a debilitating effect on individuals and their families, and is a major cause of absence from work.
How can the Community Health Team help?
The team have developed a stress management session to help people understand the causes of stress and cope with stressful situations in a positive way.
The session can be delivered by any member of the team and can be tailored to suit the particular needs of the group. The session comprises:
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Advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of stress;
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Understanding the effects of stress on the body;
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Identifying positive coping strategies;
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Learning some relaxation techniques, including:
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Self massage;
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Breathing exercises;
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Visualisation.
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Led relaxation
Gentle exercise programmes, such as Yoga and Tai Chi can also help reduce stress and can be offered as part of a stress reduction programme.
The Community Health Team can also arrange therapists, such as reflexologists, aromatherapists and massage practitioners to provide “taster” sessions.
NOTE: There may be a charge for some therapies where an external tutor is used such as Yoga and Tai Chi.