Stress management workshop delivered by Saiqa Naz

Saiqa Naz, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

Thirty people attended a stress management workshop delivered by Saiqa Naz, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist of Aurora Wellbeing.

The participants were both male and female aged between 13 and 43, from local communities in Rochdale, Bury, Oldham and Manchester.

The workshop looked at issues that can cause us stress and looked at practical ways in which we can help manage that stress.

Ms Naz said: “This workshop is an introduction to stress and anxiety which we all experience in our lives, yet find it difficult to talk about and seek help for. I am hoping this workshop will equip people with skills required to enable them to look after their own mental health. This not only helps those who are already experiencing stress and anxiety, but may also prevent people’s mental health from deteriorating.”

The workshop took place at the Madina Institute in Oldham and was sponsored by Planet Mercy and Madina Institute.

Those attending the workshop said they found it very helpful to learn strategies which they can use in everyday life situations.

Sharon Mcgee said: “The information and techniques used were extremely useful, not only for those who suffer from stress, but for everyone, as we can all be affected by stress at any time.

“Saiqa made the session easy to understand. I would definitely promote this workshop to others to attend as it would be beneficial to all.”

Tanzia Hussain, a teacher at Madina Institute, said: “We were unsure as to how the workshop would be received due to there being a lot stigma associated with mental health, yet we received a lot of positive feedback. Those attending the workshop have requested a follow up session once they have had a chance to practice their new skills. This is currently being planned.”

Aisha Latif, a Volunteer of Planet Mercy, said: “We all know that some people in the community are suffering silently. Planet Mercy will do its best to continue to reach out to those people, regardless of their faith, ethnicity and socio-economic status. We look forward to supporting Aurora Wellbeing in the future too.”

Mohammed Amjed agreed: “The moment mental health is mentioned people shy away from the subject, especially in our community. This should not be the case, a lot of people are dealing with this alone. As men, we need to help stamp out the taboo and stigma around mental health and start talking about it and seeking help. Mental health is no different to breaking a leg or having a cold, it is still an illness, it is just one you cannot see. No one should have to suffer alone. The more we talk about it, the easier it will get to seek help.

“Prevention is better than cure so we should all look in to how to deal with stress and depression not only for us but for our loved ones in case they fall foul to this illness. This workshop provided us with practical solutions to do this.”