Common questions about the course

Will I have to talk in front of other people?

No. ‘Stress Control’ is not a group therapy.  Not many people in this country would be happy to talk about their problems in front of others.

You will not be asked to do so

‘Stress Control’ is a class – all seats face the front.  The teacher will stand at the front and teach you all about stress and how to tackle it.  Your role is to pick up the new skills, to go off and work at what you have learned.  You come back the next week, learn the next step until, after the four weeks, you will be in a good position to tackle your stress.

Will I have to write things on the course?

No.  All you are asked to do is tick your name off on a register. This lets the teacher know who has come to the session.

Will I meet someone I know?

You may do.  Stress is a very common problem and hundreds of people do the course each year.  Everyone is in the same boat.  As personal problems are not discussed, you don’t get to know much about why others are coming.  A few years ago, two sisters met on the course.  They were both shocked at first.  Then they told the teacher how daft it was that they were both going through this alone when they could have been helping each other.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes.  They can offer support or learn about stress themselves. They may be under a lot of stress as well so they might be helped. They can also learn about the best ways to help you.  The two of you can then fight it together.

What if I’m not better by the end of the course?

‘Stress Control’ is a training not a therapy course.  This means that you will learn many new skills over a few weeks but it is in the months after the hard work takes place to master these skills.

Will there be others on the course like me?

Stress affects people from all walks of life.  Although no two people will have exactly the same problems, you may have a lot in common.  You may find it hard to relax, you will worry a great deal, you will have lost confidence and a sense of control.  You may well be depressed by this.  Life will just be a lot harder to cope with.  All the people on the course know how awful stress feels.

What if I panic or make a fool of myself?

How often do you think you are going to make a fool of yourself and how often do you?  It is a common fear but the course is very down to earth.  You will be in control.  If you have a pattern of panic in busy places, work out ways to cope with this – bring someone with you, sit at the back near the door for the first few sessions.  Feel free to wander out at any time and get a breath of fresh air.  Over 2000 people have gone through this course.  All were anxious coming the first time but it is not usual for anyone to panic.

What if I feel I’m not clever enough to understand it?

‘Stress Control’ is straight-forward but there are two problems – concentration and reading skills.  If you find reading hard, you will be given a cassette tape which has all the facts about stress and depression.  Concentration problems are common with stress. That is why you get handouts.  Read through them at your own pace.  It can help to read through, e.g. the section on panic the day after the panic class.  This can help you remember what was said in the class.  Feel free to repeat the course at any time if you feel you would pick it up better.

How many?????

People are often surprised at the thought of 15-50 people on each course.  It just goes to show how common stress is.