Steppin' Up: community classes teach relaxation, conflict resolution and offer tools for emotional wellness

Mental health and health care specialists from Salem Health have partnered with the Community Health Education Center, (CHEC) to offer January community classes that help with issues from stress management, to courses that foster better understanding of complex situations such as self-defeating behavior or a bipolar diagnosis.

Scholarships are available for all CHEC courses but registration is required. For registration, scholarship information and course details, visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432 weekdays.

All classes are held at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. Free covered parking is available. Below is a partial listing of course offerings.

Working Out Your Anger (Mondays, Jan. 9 to Feb. 20, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Fee: $25) This class will provide ways to increase health, improve self esteem and increase work efficiency.

True Self: Basic DBT Skills (Tuesdays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Fee: $35) Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT) is the therapeutic foundation for changing behaviors. Participants will be able to understand and utilize the interpersonal skills that help regulate emotional responses.

Sabotage to Success (Wednesdays, Jan. 11 to Feb. 15, 3:30 - 5 p.m., Fee: $25) Participants will learn to overcome self-defeating behaviors that hold them back from achieving their goals.

Relaxation and Stress Management (Thursdays, Jan. 12 to Feb. 16, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Fee: $25) This course helps individuals identify their stress triggers and then create a personal plan for stress reduction.

Successful Conflict Resolution (Tuesdays, Jan. 17 to Feb. 21, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Fee: $25) Conflict, an inescapable part of daily life is the result of a highly complex and competitive society. Learn to deal with conflicts as an essential life skill.

All About Bipolar (Wednesdays, Jan. 18 to Feb. 22, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Fee: $25) This course will teach individuals how to identify the early warning signs of bipolar mood swings. Medications and side effects will be explained in addition to information about how to help a family member with bipolar disorder.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.