moodgym is like an interactive self-help book which helps you to learn and practise skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Over 1 million users worldwide
Anonymous, confidential
Secure handling of your data
Access anytime, at your pace
Scientifically evaluated
moodgym provides training in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and consists of five interactive modules which are completed in order.
These include information, interactive exercises, workbooks to record thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and quizzes with personalised feedback.
Why you feel the way you do
Changing the way we think to feel better
Changing warped thoughts
Knowing what makes you upset
Break-ups and how you were raised
Easy access to quizzes and diaries
moodgym has been extensively evaluated in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) undertaken by research groups around the world.
Using two or more modules has been linked to significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, and these benefits have been shown to still last after 12 months.
Research trials have been undertaken in a range of settings (e.g., schools, universities, Lifeline, NHS Choices online); across the mental health care spectrum (from prevention to treatment); with different age groups (adults, adolescents); with a range of population groups (e.g. students, primary care patients, community users); in different countries; and with and without guidance.
A 2016 meta-analysis of 12 studies confirmed that moodgym is effective at reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in adult populations, with evidence suggesting that it is also effective at reducing general psychological distress.
Studies have also reported moodgym to be effective in reducing hazardous alcohol use, reducing suicide risk in high-risk populations, preventing mood and anxiety disorders, and in improving wellbeing and quality of life in users.
User satisfaction of moodgym is high, and evaluation studies suggest that moodgym is a viable option for those who cannot access face-to-face therapy, and for those waiting for traditional services. There is also demonstrated cost effectiveness of translating moodgym.
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Schneider, J., Sarrami Foroushani, P., et al. (2014). Acceptability of online self-help to people with depression: users' views of MoodGYM versus informational websites. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16(3), e90.
Twomey, C., O'Reilly, G., et al. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of the computerized CBT programme, MoodGYM, for public mental health service users waiting for interventions. Br J Clin Psychol, 53(4), 433-50.
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Calear, A. L., Christensen, H., et al. (2013). Adherence to the MoodGYM program: outcomes and predictors for an adolescent school-based population. J Affect Disord, 147(1-3), 338-44.
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moodgym helps users to identify their particular areas of vulnerability - for example perfectionism, need for approval or sense of entitlement.
Users can then explore specific ways to deal with different vulnerabilities, and practice with interactive exercises and diaries.
The moodgym characters illustrate how contrasting thinking styles and vulnerabilities can lead to different emotions and outcomes.
Users meet Noproblemos, Cyberman, Iffy, Worrie-woman, Moody and Creepy Angry.
moodgym is an online self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is like an interactive, online self-help book which teaches skills based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). You can log back in to at any time to learn more skills or to add to your workbooks and diaries.
If you or someone else is feeling suicidal, you should seek immediate help. There are people and services who can help at any time of the night or day. See Emergency help for more information.
Note that moodgym is not appropriate for crisis help.
Yes. moodgym provides training in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which is a recommended treatment for depression and anxiety disorders in the clinical practice guidelines published by Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Digital CBT or Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) is also recognised in the guidelines, which make specific mention of the moodgym program.
You can access the clinical practice guidelines through the following links:
moodgym is designed to be used by people who would like to prevent mental health problems or manage problems which are troubling but not incapacitating.
The program content is suitable for users aged 16 years or older. However, the moodgym Terms of Use require that users from the USA are aged 18 years or older.
moodgym is not specifically designed for use by people with clinical levels of depression or anxiety. moodgym suggests that those who score above 2-3 on the moodgym Depression Quiz should contact a health professional.
moodgym has been extensively evaluated in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) undertaken by research groups around the world.
Using two or more modules has been linked to significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, and these benefits have been shown to still last after 12 months.
Research trials have been undertaken in a range of settings (e.g., schools, universities, Lifeline, NHS Choices online); across the mental health care spectrum (from prevention to treatment); with different age groups (adults, adolescents); with a range of population groups (e.g. students, primary care patients, community users); in different countries; and with and without guidance.
A 2016 meta-analysis of 12 studies confirmed that moodgym is effective at reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in adult populations, with evidence suggesting that it is also effective at reducing general psychological distress.
Studies have also reported moodgym to be effective in reducing hazardous alcohol use, reducing suicide risk in high-risk populations, preventing mood and anxiety disorders, and in improving wellbeing and quality of life in users.
User satisfaction of moodgym is high, and evaluation studies suggest that moodgym is a viable option for those who cannot access face-to-face therapy, and for those waiting for traditional services. There is also demonstrated cost effectiveness of translating moodgym.
» References
moodgym was originally developed and evaluated over 15 years by researchers at the Australian National University. The principal authors of the content were Professor Helen Christensen and Professor Kathy Griffiths, who first scripted moodgym in 2001. Other staff provided clinical, technical and design expertise, and young people from the community provided feedback.
The development and delivery of moodgym is now undertaken by e-hub Health – an ANU spin-off company managed by the senior members of the original team. e-hub Health is committed to the ongoing development of quality resources which make a measurable impact in the wellbeing of users. e-hub Health is part of the Dialogue group of companies.
moodgym is also available in German. You can access German moodgym at moodgym.de
moodgym's sister program, e-couch provides comprehensive information and self-help for common mental health problems, including social anxiety. You can access e-couch at ecouch.com.au