CHILL OUT

PROGRAMME 2: KERRY

In this programme we meet 15-year-old Kerry who has big ambitions and even bigger stress levels. As well as GCSE exams, he has dancing and singing lessons and auditions to fit in, and this packed schedule leads to anxiety levels that keep him awake for hours at night. Dr Mark Hamilton has three weeks to organise Kerry's revision and tackle his performance nerves, to take him one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a musical star.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00:00 – 01:09

We are given an insight into the programme. We hear young people talking about stress. Dr Mark Hamilton, a psychologist, has three weeks to help Kerry reduce his anxiety.

01:10 – 02:57

Kerry is 15 and lives in Sussex with his mum. He is preparing for GCSEs as well as juggling extra-curricular activities in drama, dance and singing. He wants help with controlling his stress. We meet Dr Mark Hamilton who explains the symptoms of stress.

02:58 – 04:49

Mark interviews Kerry and sets him up with the stress test. He starts at 8am the next day. He is off to an audition in London but he doesn't feel prepared. Mark has asked him to complete a questionnaire and to test his heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol level.

04:50 – 06:57

Kerry arrives at the Urdang Academy in London for his audition. He describes his symptoms and Mark describes the science behind them. Kerry gets home at 9pm, but then has to start his GCSE revision. He finally puts the lights out at 1am, but sleeps badly.

06:58 – 08:57

Mark goes through Kerry's results and highlights the positive aspects of stress, but also explains how stress can work against you. He talks about blood pressure.

08:58 – 10:28

Mark explains some relaxation techniques based on deep breathing.

10:29 – 12:09

To stop Kerry worrying so much about everything, Mark decides to focus on what Kerry has already achieved, and these achievements are written on cards. They create another group of cards with challenges that Kerry has to face, and the set of cards are arranged in two columns. In this way, Kerry can transfer more to the 'achievements' column as the 'challenges' are dealt with.

12:10 – 13:42

Mark now concentrates on Kerry's exam revision and helps him reorganise his room.

13:43 – 17:52

Mark gives tips for getting a good night's sleep. Kerry now has to practise these techniques alone for a while.

17:53 – 20:05

Kerry has to perform in a big gala in two weeks' time. He goes to meet Ian Watkins who is currently appearing in 'Fame' in London. He gives tips on meditating and breathing to help relieve stress.

20:06 – 20:53

We see Kerry putting all the techniques into practice.

20:54 – 23:57

It is the final day of Kerry's stress-testing as well as the day of the gala. Mark analyses his test results and there has been a great improvement. He updates the achievements board. He feels that the techniques he has learnt will be useful to him throughout life.