Motherwell Football Club are launching a season long initiative to encourage all of us to take simple steps to tackle our everyday stress and help us avoid more serious problems.
The initiative is part of the Scottish Government Steps for Stress Campaign – stepsforstress.org
Craig Brown, manager of Motherwell FC said: “We know stress can affect everyone from time to time but for others it can occur more frequently, last for long periods and impact on our everyday lives.
“Motherwell FC has played eight games already this season. Taking steps to manage the demands and get the balance right between football and relaxation has enhanced our performances.
“For me the message is clear. We know that stress feeds off stress if we ignore it. If the causes and symptoms of stress are allowed to snowball, they can risk leading to other problems like unhealthy eating, drinking too much or heavy smoking.
“The Steps for Stress campaign sends an important message to all football fans and communities across Scotland.
“Let’s recognise the signs of everyday stress, feel comfortable talking about it and use the advice, information and supports available to take action to help stop it in its tracks – such as being more active, talking to someone or helping other people. Stress Less, Enjoy Life – Take StepsforStress.org.”
Leanne Dempster, Chief Executive of Motherwell FC, said: “As part of our commitment to the Lanarkshire community, Motherwell FC signed the ‘see me’ pledge in May this year.
“We are committed to working with NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Councils and the Lanarkshire Recovery Network to use our profile and links to the Lanarkshire community and footballing world to increase understanding of mental health.
“Throughout the season we will promote Steps for Stress in our stadium, programme, back of home and away football shirts and our interview boards.”
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said, "Stress can affect everyone. We all have busy lives today, juggling work and family commitments, but by knowing how to spot the signs we can help ourselves feel better.
"If the causes and symptoms of stress are allowed to snowball, they can risk leading to other problems like unhealthy eating, drinking too much or heavy smoking.
"Steps for Stress shows us that even small steps like going for a walk, talking to a friend or doing something for someone else can make a big difference to how we feel."
Kevin O’Neill, Chair of the Lanarkshire Mental Health Improvement Partnership Group, said: “We know from national surveys that around 18 per cent of the Lanarkshire community will have experienced stress or depression in the last two week. That’s around 75,000 people in Lanarkshire.
“The Steps for Stress campaign highlights that there are simple steps we can take to reduce our stress and the earlier we do this the better.
“By reducing our stress we enjoy life more. Actions such as exercise, learning new things, enjoying hobbies, spending time with others and relaxing can all help.
“Facing up to our stresses and using the help that is available also helps, whether it is debt, unemployment or relationship difficulties.
“We know that it can be difficult to get started and that is why the Steps for Stress campaign and supportive materials have been developed.
“Your local library also has a healthy reading section with lots of supportive leaflets, books, DVD’s and CD’s and they can also tell what is available within your community.”
The stepsforstress.org website helps you do an on-line assessment of your stress and takes you step by step through the options that may help.
In Lanarkshire, the elament website www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk provides lots of useful local information.”
If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone, please speak to your GP or contact the following agencies who are there to offer help:
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (free to call 6pm to 2am and weekends) www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Samaritans 08457 909090/1698 429 411 (24 hour service) www.samaritans.org
Childline 0800 1111 (free 24 hour service) www.childline.org.uk
National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Age Scotland (older people) 0845 125 9732
ParentLine 0800 800 2222
Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership www.lanarkshireadp.org
For mental health information in Lanarkshire visit:
www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk or visit any of the 50 Lanarkshire local libraries that now have a wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources that are free to borrow.
For Steps for Stress Visit: www.stepsforstress.org
For further information or comments about Motherwell FC contact Alan Burrows, Press Officer alan.burrows@motherwellfc.co.uk