The other day I was browsing the internet, looking for mental health resources, and came across two intriguing sites. The staff at the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University, in collaboration with other researchers, mental health experts, web and graphic designers, and software engineers have developed an innovative, interactive web program designed to prevent depression. It consists of five modules, an interactive game, anxiety and depression assessments, downloadable relaxation audio, a workbook and feedback assessment.
Using flashed diagrams and online exercises, MoodGYM teaches the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy – a proven treatment for depression. It also demonstrates the relationship between thoughts and emotions, and works through dealing with stress and relationship break-ups, as well as teaching relaxation and meditation techniques.
The program is fun, free, and interactive. I have not used it much yet but so far it seems like it has the potential to be a great self help tool. Click here to check it out.
The creators of moodGYM also launched E-Couch , a new evidence-based informational program about emotional problems (including depression and anxiety disorders) and teaches strategies that may help you to prevent problems and understand yourself better. This program is also free and appears to be pretty user-friendly.
The discovery of these programs further shows the increasing prevalence of technological innovations in the mental health community. Besides utilizing technology for the spreading of awareness, mental health advocates are using technology to create solutions such as the two innovative programs mentioned above.
Using flashed diagrams and online exercises, MoodGYM teaches the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy – a proven treatment for depression. It also demonstrates the relationship between thoughts and emotions, and works through dealing with stress and relationship break-ups, as well as teaching relaxation and meditation techniques.
The program is fun, free, and interactive. I have not used it much yet but so far it seems like it has the potential to be a great self help tool. Click here to check it out.
The discovery of these programs further shows the increasing prevalence of technological innovations in the mental health community. Besides utilizing technology for the spreading of awareness, mental health advocates are using technology to create solutions such as the two innovative programs mentioned above.