We are a free NHS IAPT service for Oxfordshire
Click below to complete your online referral form or call us on 01865 901 222
News and updates
Are you struggling because of low mood, stress and tension or feelings of anxiety?
TalkingSpace Plus in collaboration with Ark-T centre will be offering drop-in sessions at the Venue on 242b Barns Road, Oxford, every first Monday of the month to answer any questions related to psychological and employment support available and guide you on how to access the service.
Please be aware that TalkingSpace Plus helps people from a wide range of problems and from many different backgrounds. We understand that treatment needs to fit with people’s circumstances, culture, and religion, and translation services are available at assessment and during treatment.
Next date: Monday 3rd of April 2023.
What causes stress?
It is our body’s automated response to pressure, commonly known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. The causes of stress can be complex and include: life events (e.g. taking care of a sick or elderly friend or family member, work pressures), chronic illness or injury, emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem, a traumatic event e.g.: being the victim of any sort of crime or a natural disaster.
What are the signs of stress?
It is important to consider how you are feeling so you can notice differences in how you might being thinking, your emotional state or any changes in your behaviours. Helpful things to be looking out for might include:
- Low mood
- Anxious feelings
- Physical health issues
- Anger, irritability, or restlessness
- Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Racing thoughts or constant worry
- Problems with your memory or concentration
- Making unhelpful or bad decisions
- Avoiding/not doing things you usually enjoy
How can we manage stress?
There are lots of ways to manage stress, assuming we can spot when stress is building up. However, some of the things we might end up doing can be unhelpful; such as drinking more alcohol, taking recreational drugs, smoking, a change in our eating and general self-care patterns. Some things we might do may be helpful in the short term but can become a problem longer term; such as ‘delaying things’ until you feel a bit better. All of these options are very human and understandable, but ultimately the most effective way to deal with stress is to acknowledge it and work through its cause wherever possible and then its effects. Sometimes this is possible alone, or with the support of trusted friends, family or colleagues but sometimes you might need help which looks slightly different. If you believe you might benefit from some free support via the NHS, because you cannot quite get to a place where you feel yourself again, please call TalkingSpace Plus on 01865 901222 or self-refer by clicking here.
TalkingSpace Plus can give you a confidential space to think about what is going on for you and support you to feel better; we can offer you employment support alongside this if needed and our service is trained to consider long term health conditions in any work we might do with you. Early support is crucial so don’t wait to get in contact.
Listen to BBC Radio Oxford interview with Dr Samantha Sadler from TalkingSpace Plus discussing stress, mental health challenges and accessing support, by clicking here.
(the interview starts 1 hour and 10 minutes into the BBC recording).
Have you received our flyer through your door recently?
TalkingSpace Plus is a free, confidential NHS service for adults in Oxfordshire, to help people when they’re feeling stressed, anxious or low.
Taking the first step can often be the hardest, we’re ready to hear from you!
If you feel you would benefit from support, please contact our service directly on 01865 901222 or fill in the online referral form.
Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We have updated our website to include a range of leaflets, short videos and links that will help you look after yourself and your loved ones during this very challenging time.
These videos are designed to give you practical ideas on how to manage worries around COVID-19, look after your own wellbeing and how to connect with others if you are feeling alone as a result of having to isolate yourself.
The pandemic may also result in you facing a range of new experiences. We have written more detailed leaflets which explain some of the problems you may experience and when to seek help with them. These include:
