Beyond Blue has shared mental health coaching tips to help people navigate everyday life stresses.
NewAccess Mental Health Coach Gemma Danahay supports people using a low intensity CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue.
“More and more people are coming to me due to financial stress, as cost of living pressures escalate,” said Gemma.
“The other main issues are relationship problems, work stresses, and grief and loss and sudden life changes.”
“I have found many people are looking for more than just someone to talk to, they want to walk away with practical suggestions.
Here are five practical coaching tips to help relieve stresses that can build up.
1. Deal with problems one at a time – break down problems into bite-size pieces
2. Notice common thinking traps – all or nothing thinking, self-blame, repetitive thinking
3. Have realistic goals – make it achievable, it doesn’t have to be perfect
4. Balance is key – schedule pleasurable activities as well as work/family commitments
5. Healthy habits – keep both body and mind healthy
Beyond Blue’s lead clinician Dr Grant Blashki says there are multiple benefits to using low intensity CBT and problem solving to support our mental health.
“These techniques are based on evidence and are shown to improve clinical outcomes for common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety,” said Dr Blashki.
“A structured approach helps people to stay focused on their goals and people often come away feeling quite empowered that they have some new strategies to manage common stresses in life.
“An added benefit is these are skills that are useful in relationships, in parenting, and even in a workplace context and help people to be able to zoom out and look at thoughts, feelings and actions in day-to-day situations.”
Developed by Beyond Blue in 2013, NewAccess provides support for mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and life stresses, using specially trained and clinically supervised mental health coaches.
It’s free and doesn’t require a GP referral.
