Free stress control courses on offer so you don't have to suffer in silence

STRESSED out residents are being urged to access free courses, as part of National Stress Awareness Month.

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) team runs stress control courses throughout the year.

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) wants those suffering in silence to sign up and learn to beat the blues.

The next course starts on Wednesday, May 2, but anyone wanting to attend must book a place in advance.

IAPT team member James Bell said: “One in six people suffer from stress or anxiety during their lives, but people are still afraid to admit they need help.

“Our free six-week stress control group aims to teach people to understand the triggers of their stress and anxiety and provides them with the support and self-help techniques to be able to manage it.

“We also provide an information pack and activities for people to work through in their own time.”

The free courses happen at the Unity Centre, on St Leonards Road, in Rotherham town centre.

The next one starts on May 2, but anyone wanting to attend must book a place in advance.

James added: “Stress control is just one of a whole range of therapies we provide and I’d urge anyone suffering in silence to call us.

“If one of our talking therapies is appropriate, we will book the person a more in-depth assessment appointment to start receiving help as soon as a space becomes available and set them on the right track to recovery.”

The IAPT service is for those aged 18 and over, who present with no risk to themselves or others.

The service sees people with common mental health complaints like depression, general anxiety, stress, panic, phobias, social anxiety, low self-esteem, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bereavement and mild eating disorders — not anorexia nervosa.

It is not suitable for those presenting with risk to themselves or others, those with substance misuse dependency or those with severe or organic mental health problems.

To book a place on the stress control course or hear more information about help on offer, telephone 01709 447755.