25 May 2020For immediate release

Digital program launched to help those with stress after COVID-19.

An online program is launching today to help those struggling with stress following the global pandemic.

The trial is a collaboration between UNSW and the Black Dog Institute which have been chosen by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to evaluate the most effective way to help people deal with stress arising from the pandemic.

The program seeks to enlist a trial of 250 participants. They will be split into two groups – with one group given evidence-based strategies that they can work through at their own pace and the other group given six video conferencing sessions with a clinical psychologist talking them through the chosen processes.

“We need to discover how people need assistance,” says UNSW Scientia Professor and the Black Dog Institute Senior Principal Research Fellow Richard Bryant.“Is it a case of showing where the information is to help themselves or do they need a more hands-on approach.

“If it is video conferencing that people require, we can devise training templates to share with the government of how to implement this.”

All participants of the study will complete an online assessment prior to the programs, during it and after it is complete.

“These programs will be offered to all people across Australia, free of charge, and will be led by Australia’s pre-eminent academic centres in coping with stress: the University of New South Wales Traumatic Stress Clinic and the Black Dog Institute. 1

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Both these institutes are recognised around the world as leading research and service centres in delivering cutting-edge coping strategies to improve psychological well-being,” adds Dr Bryant.

Anyone interested in taking part in the trial can seek further information here.

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Media enquiries: Lisa Harmer, 0455 100 277 or l.harmer@blackdog.org.au

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