Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course Including Chronic Pain

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.

Answers

How was The Wellbeing for Chronic Health Conditions Course developed?

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.

Why was it developed?

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.

What is considered a chronic condition?

Heart diseaseEpilepsy
StrokeCancer
Chronic painDiabetes
AsthmaMultiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s diseaseCystic fibrosis
Gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease)Osteoporosis and other skeletal conditions
LymphedemaChronic kidney disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditionsHIV and other significant viruses
EndometriosisChronic Pain
Chronic fatigue syndrome… and many, many more.

What will this course do for me?

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.

How does the course work?

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.

How will my course be monitored?

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.

Who can take part in the course?

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.

Who can answer my questions about the course?

If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to contact us.

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in participating in The Wellbeing for Chronic Conditions Course, please register below and follow the instructions.

What support is available from therapists?

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.

Who provides therapist-assistance?

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.