The West Island Crisis Centre will be offering a "Coping with Stress and Anxiety" support group this September that will span over ten sessions. As another valuable tool available to the West Island community, it stands alongside the Crisis Centre's other extensive resources. Their crisis line is available for you 24/7. If you are in crisis, call 514 684-6160. They also provide short-term accommodations to create a peaceful environment for those in distress and follow-ups for continued support.
Alexandre Boudry is a social worker at the Centre who is running these stress and anxiety workshops. He shared some of the techniques and strategies used to provide participants with coping mechanisms:
"You will learn innovative approaches to change your perception of stress and anxiety, enabling you to better manage your emotions and access inner well-being. The tools we love here at the West Island Crisis Centre are mindfulness and acceptance, tools that will help you anchor yourself in the present moment, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace. -- As my clients have heard me say countless times: In matters of stress and anxiety, the only way forward is through."
The workshop hopes to equip its members with transferable skills that can be used long-term and in their day-to-day lives:
"Together, we will dive into practical methods for recognizing and regulating your emotions, empowering you to face daily challenges with confidence and serenity. We will also take the time to discuss the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, allowing you to enhance your resilience to stress and evolve toward a better version of yourself. Breathing and relaxation techniques will also be presented to soothe your mind and promote overall well-being. Finally, we'll delve into the mechanisms of rumination and show you how to break this vicious cycle for better mental health and greater tranquility in your daily life."
Those who wish to enroll can send an email to group@centredecriseoi.com or call them at 514-684-6160. The English workshops begin Saturday, September 9th, at 11 a.m., and the French-language group begins Thursday, September 14th, at 7 p.m. Once enrolled, the sessions will be held at 170 rue Du Buisson in Pierrefonds. The Centre looks forward to welcoming those eager to learn more and develop life-long habits:
"We are excited to share this journey with you and help you cultivate a fulfilling and balanced life where stress and anxiety are no longer our archnemeses," Boudry concluded.
SOURCE: West Island Crisis Centre
