Are you stressed? Your local IAPT service can help you
Stress is becoming a major problem for many people in the UK. A staggering 50% of the population will suffer from symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression sometime in their lifetime. Stress accounts for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in the UK, with over 11 million working days lost a year to stress.
Many people struggle to recognise the symptoms of stress, which can include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating. Some may also feel anxious, irritable and may worry constantly or go over things in their heads. Others may lose their temper more easily, drink more or act unreasonably. Headaches, muscle tension or pain, or dizziness can be other signs. If you recognise any of these symptoms, your local ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) service may be able to help.
Elliott Baker, Coventry IAPT Team Manager, said: ‘We are launching a new group for people who experience stress. The new group, called ‘Stress Matters’, runs on Monday at 6pm and Thursday at 10am and the course covers such things as recognising signs of stress and developing effective coping strategies to manage it effectively.’ Elliott added: ‘For young people taking exams at this time of year, our group could be particularly helpful.’ Anyone who would like to join the ‘Stress Matters’ group can do so by calling the IAPT referral centre on 024 7667 1090.
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust runs the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull IAPT service in partnership with Coventry MIND. The IAPT service provides a range of treatments for low mood, depression and anxiety related disorders, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, for people aged 16 + who suffer from mild and moderate common mental health problems. Anyone registered with a GP in Coventry, Warwickshire or Solihull can refer themselves to the IAPT service by 024 7667 1090. Alternatively, talk to their GP or other health professional for assistance in accessing the IAPT service.
Further information can be found on at www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/iapt where there are also links to self-help materials.