A THERAPIST is offering free sessions to all NHS staff who are struggling to cope with the demands of battling coronavirus.

Change-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which is ran from Victoria Place by Carlisle therapist Simon Patrick, is offering free cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to any NHS staff member who needs support.

"CBT is short-term, goal focused psychotherapy that is a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving," explained Mr Patrick.

"Overall goals are to work towards changing patterns of thinking or behaviours that are behind people's difficulties, and so change the way they feel."

Due to the Government's social distancing restrictions, all sessions will be held via messaging or through video chat. Sessions are available from 4pm onwards, and are on a first come, first served basis.

Mr Patrick said he wanted to do his bit to help out.

"We all know NHS staff are doing a brilliant job and taking a lot of risks simply doing their jobs," he said.

"I’m sure lots of them are working overtime and are having to limit contact with their own families. Deciding to offer this support seemed like the right thing to do.

"I have a certain skill set that could possibly help them manage the stress and other conflicting emotions they may be feeling.

"I suppose it’s my way of showing my appreciation. I would imagine support will be being offered internally within the NHS, perhaps the options we offer are something that can at the very least assist with that."

The cognitive therapy journey started several years ago.

"I was fortunate the News and Star wrote a piece about myself a few years ago and from there I went on to set up Change-Cognitive Therapy," he explained.

"Over the years I’ve continued training and learning, which has culminated in qualifying in what is recognised as a high intensity practitioner.

"We are also now eligible to be accredited with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies."

It is not just in times of crisis we need good mental health, according to Mr Patrick.

"Good mental health is important at anytime. During a crisis, especially one that is unique and impacts daily living, we have to take care of our mental health even more.

"Everyday life has changed quiet drastically in a short space of time, which will have impacted a lot of people. Our social contact has been limited, daily routines that provide structure have altered and in addition there’s a risk of becoming ill or losing a loved one.

"A lot of people may be struggling because of these things. Good mental health varies from person to person, day to day. I would imagine a lot of people are worrying, which creates anxiety and subsequently low mood, which isn’t ideal when there isn’t a lot to do at the moment.

"We often worry about things we can’t control or the things we hope don’t happen, worrying is our way of figuring out ways to stop them happening."

He has a clear message for all NHS staff.

"A massive thank you from every single one of us. You are amazing individuals who are brave and deserve all the recognition coming your way.

"All other key workers need to be recognised as well as they too are being brave and putting themselves at risk, keeping essential things going."

To book an appointment, call 07526 960591 or message the Change-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Facebook page.

Top tips:

1. Maintain some form of routine - Try to get up at the same time each day and go to bed at a similar time. If you're working from home or looking after children then that will fill some of your time. If not, create lists of things to do day-to-day or maybe crack on with some DIY.

2. Exercise - I have seen a lot of people have started exercising at home. There are YouTube tutorials and PTs online that have uploaded workout routines.

Exercise is important as it releases endorphins which naturally lift your mood and will work off some of the stress. It can also give people something to focus on and again add some form of structure to the day.

3. Communicate with others - Some people may be on their own at this time, so let’s make sure they are included. Keep in touch with family and friends, even work colleagues.

Fortunately we have numerous ways to keep in touch with another through emails, social media, texts and FaceTime.

We are social creatures and part of maintaining good mental health is contact with others.

4. Limit your worrying. Throughout the day make a list of everything your worrying about but do not focus on them until your worry hour. This will give your mind a break and hopefully help you distinguish if your worry is something you can actually alter or not.

Keep in mind when we are worrying about something we aren’t doing anything about it, if we could do something about it, we wouldn’t be worrying. But please adhere to social distancing.

5. Mindfulness - When I began training I was introduced to mindfulness and thought “not for me” but I persevered and started to buy into it.

I find it allows me to stay in the present moment rather than worrying about the past or the future. It also allows me to relax and switch off.

There’s plenty of YouTube tutorials or podcasts that will help you use mindfulness techniques to your benefit.