York University continues to support a mentally healthy campus through the introduction of the free, online daily well-being management tool WellTrack® for all students, staff and faculty.
York University has purchased enough licenses for all community members to access a free online self-help program that promotes daily well-being management. It can assist with depression, anxiety, stress, and phobias (e.g., fear of heights), and can be easily and conveniently accessed.
Users of WellTrack® simply select the module(s) of interest, and the information and resources (such as the relaxation tools) are easily accessed from any device at any time. The WellTrack® courses are designed to offer services similar to what an individual would receive if they were receiving Computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) face-to-face with a counsellor or clinical psychologist.
Each user takes a brief survey to identify their needs and is then provided with a customized course of therapy. Twice a day, users will be prompted to engage with WellTrack® to assess their mood through MoodCheck. Other helpful tools include thought diaries, activity schedulers, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises.
“Using the MoodCheck part of the tool the last few months has been very helpful," said Stephanie Francis, coordinator, Health Education & Promotion, Student Success Centre. "Tracking my mood at different times of the day helped me to realize my commute was adding stress to my day and was having a negative impact on my mental health. After seeing this, I took the time to find a new transit route to and from campus, which now allows me to be in a better mood when I arrive at work and home."
It can also be accessed through web browser and downloaded as an app in devices app stores, and is 100 per cent confidential. This initiative support York's Mental Health Strategy, which aims to promote mental health and wellness across campus, and provides an integrated approach to health and well-being.
WellTrack® is not an emergency service or for use when experiencing acute mental health crises.
WellTrack® is being used by a number of universities and colleges across Canada.
“We are pleased to offer this tool to our community, as part of the Campus Mental Health Strategy," said the Mental Health Steering Committee Co-Chairs Lesley Beagrie, Suzanne Killick and Francis. "It is exciting for us to be able to provide another resource to our community to support their overall well-being."
How to use WellTrack®
• York students who wish to use the tool can create an account using their York email or any email and the access code: YORK.
• York Employees who wish to use the tool can create an account using the access code: YORKEMPLOYEE.
York University’s Mental Health Steering Committee recently released its 2016-17 Annual Report. The plan highlights the accomplishments over the academic year and lays out plans for the 2017/18 year, in support of a mentally healthy campus.