This year at 1Up we added the opportunity for members to access a program that developed in Australia called Moodgym. “Moodgym is an interactive self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.” (https://moodgym.com.au/). Using the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Moodgym supports users to address problematic thought patterns or behaviours. It can provide new tools to manage anxiety and can provide users with a better understanding of their own moods and when to seek further help.
We are excited about Moodgym and hope that it will provide another tool to support our community. Anxiety has been increasing for everyone as Covid continues and we remain living in a state of constant flux. It is our hope that Moodgym can support members with new tools to manage during Covid and to understand if they need more help.
Moodgym has been studied in a number of different settings with different population groups. It has been found effective at reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in adult populations as well as effective in reducing hazardous alcohol use. Further information regarding the studies and their outcomes are listed on the Mood Gym website.
Moodgym is user friendly. The website is easy to access and use, the activities are easily understood and utilized and the language is simple and clear. This allows it to be accessible to persons who find reading information difficult or whose first language is not English.
moodgym consists of five interactive modules which are completed in order.
- Exercises and quizzes: As you progress through moodgym, you will be asked to answer questions about your feelings and thoughts. moodgym will then provide useful feedback about your results.For many of the exercises it is up to you whether or not you complete them (although of course moodgym encourages you to complete all of them!). However, some quizzes must be completed before you can move on to the next part of moodgym.
- Summaries: At the end of each module, a summary of your results for that module is available and can be printed out. These can also be accessed from your Workbook.
- Workbook: In the moodgym Workbook you’ll find all of the exercises and quizzes that you encounter throughout the program.
If you are a 1Up member, and would like to try out this innovative self-help program for free, email Lesley at lesley@singleparentvictoria.ca.
CLICK HERE for more information about Moodgym.
