The Black Dog Institute has created a new online positive mood program to help manage COVID-19 related stress, something we’ve all undoubtedly experienced this year.
In order to test the new program — which has been shown to reduce stress and depression — the team at Black Dog Institue is offering free counselling sessions in the form of a study called ‘A Controlled Trial of Reducing COVID-19 Related Stress and Mood Problems’.
To take part, all you have to do is complete a quick survey to determine you’re eligibility. If you are deemed “positive for psychological distress”, you’ll then be allocated into one of two trials.
The first trial condition will teach you how to engage in different strategies to manage stress. These sessions will be facilitated by an experienced clinical psychologist in a small group of four people.
These sessions will run once a week for six weeks, with each lasting around 60 minutes. And, you don’t even need to leave the house as the sessions will be conducted via video conferencing.
The second trial condition requires more self-directed work and if you’re selected, you’ll be given resources to work through in your own time.
To participate in this program, you must be at least 18 years old, have the ability to communicate in conversational English and have experienced stress and mood problems related to COVID-19 (pretty sure everyone has that one covered!).
If you are successfully picked for the study and you complete the components, you’ll also be reimbursed $100 for your time.
If you’re interested in participating in the trial, head to the Black Dog Institute website for more information.