MoodGYM is a free online program that aims to reduce mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety by teaching you the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy.
What does the program consist of?
- five 20- to 40-minute modules
- an interactive game
- anxiety and depression assessments
- a downloadable relaxation audio file
- printable worksheets
- an online workbook for you to record your responses to quizzes and exercises and track your progress
- feedback assessment
What principles are learned?
- cognitive restructuring
- the relationship between thoughts and feelings
- behavioural activation
- relaxation
- problem sovling
The modules are designed to be completed sequentially over a 6-week period. At the completion of each module, you will be provided with a summary of the module's key concepts, as well as any changes in the your self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms. Throughout MoodGYM, you will be encouraged to further develop the skills learned in the program by applying and practicing them in real-world situations.
Overview
|
Age |
adolescent & adult |
|
Language |
English, Chinese, Dutch, Norwegian |
|
Agency Responsible |
Centre for Mental Health Research Australian National University |
|
Intervention Type |
CBT: cognitive restructuring, activation, relaxation, problem solving, early schemas, interpersonal components |
|
Access |
free |
|
Length |
5 modules taking 40 mins each & additional exercises |
|
Visuals |
abstract cartoons, deep colours |
|
Audio |
only one |
|
Video |
no |
|
Printable worksheets |
multiple |
|
Active Reach Out |
no |
|
Research Trials |
17 |
|
Research RCTs |
7 |
To see a list of all MoodGYM's research evidence and papers please visit the Beacon's review.
Pros & Cons
|
PROS |
CONS |
|
Free and easily accessible |
Structured: must go through modules in order, no room to choose freely which area you’d like to focus on |
|
You are walked through examples with characters and given pros and cons of the characters reactions to the situation |
Australian focused: Some words may be uncommon and hard to understand for non-Australians |
|
Depression and Anxiety quizzes are taken in each module: at the end of the course you can see how your scores relate to each module and overtime (given as bar graph) |
Self-motivated: No active outreach to users |
|
Activities include input areas where you can write your own problems, solutions and thought processes |
Names of characters throughout program may be forgettable to some users, i.e., CYBERMAN who is a character who “looks good on the outside, but seething wreck on the inside” |
|
Lots of information and links to various resources in Australia that are directly applicable for Australian-based users: Worldwide resources also available |
Depression and Anxiety quizzes are mandatory to continue to next modules |
|
Interventions and exercises were easy and straightforward |
Warpy Thoughts test results given as a numerical score which may be difficult to interpret |
|
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Layout may be viewed as outdated by some users |
*Please note that WalkAlong does not have any affiliation with MoodGYM. This post is not meant to be a promotion of MoodGYM, but rather an objective overview of the program in order for you to make an informed decision.