The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course aims to provide good education and guidance on simple but effective cognitive behavioural techniques for managing symptoms often experienced by those with chronic health conditions, including chronic pain. Very broadly, the course helps people with thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms related to chronic health conditions, depression, and anxiety. Research shows that it helps people gain control over their symptoms, improve their confidence, and get back to living a full, satisfying life.
The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course was developed in Australia at Macquarie University. It is designed to teach people who have a chronic physical condition how to better manage symptoms associated with the condition, depression, and anxiety.
The course was designed because so many people never seek treatment, but many have access to the Internet. Because chronic physical conditions are often connected with symptoms of depression and anxiety it was felt to be important to provide information that could be used to manage these symptoms.
| Heart disease | Epilepsy |
| Stroke | Cancer |
| Chronic pain | Diabetes |
| Asthma | Multiple sclerosis |
| Parkinson’s disease | Cystic fibrosis |
| Gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease) | Osteoporosis and other skeletal conditions |
| Lymphedema | Chronic kidney disease |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) |
| Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions | HIV and other significant viruses |
| Endometriosis | Chronic Pain |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome | … and many, many more. |
The course aims to provide good education and guidance on simple but effective techniques for managing symptoms. Very broadly, the course helps people with thoughts, behaviours and physical symptoms related to chronic physical conditions, depression, and anxiety. Research shows that it helps people gain control over their symptoms, improve their confidence, and get back to living a full, satisfying life.
The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course is comprised of 5 lessons. Depending on the complexity of the lesson, it is recommended that clients spend 1 to 2 weeks on a given lesson. Lessons consist of educational materials that are accessed online, and “Do it Yourself” (DIY) activities and resources that are reviewed offline, as well as additional resources for common concerns. With the suggested time frame, clients should complete The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course in 8 weeks.
Participants will complete questionnaires prior to the start of the program, before each lesson of the program, once they have completed the program, and 3 months after completing the program. The questionnaires will assess the impact of the chronic physical condition as well as anxiety and depression symptoms.
The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course is open to Saskatchewan residents and is designed for those who have symptoms of depression or anxiety, have had a chronic physical condition for more than 3 months, have received a diagnosis for their condition, are 18 years of age or older, are comfortable using and have access to the Internet. We request but do not require a local medical contact available in case of emergencies. The course is not recommended if you have severe problems with alcohol or drugs, mania, psychosis, or strong thoughts of suicide.
If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to contact us.
If you are interested in participating in The Wellbeing for Chronic Conditions Course, please register below and follow the instructions.
The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course is therapist-assisted. This means that during the week clients can send questions or comments to their designated therapist though a secure message system. On a set day each week, the therapist checks the website, reviews client progress on the course and responds to messages. Most contact with the therapist is through secure emails, but sometimes therapists contact clients by phone.
Clients are assigned to therapists based on availability, to either a therapist working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority or a therapist working directly at the Online Therapy Unit. Therapists are trained in psychology, social work or nursing.