“It just felt terrific to know there was someone else there apart from family and friends thinking about me.”—Ralph, MindStep participant
Key points
- Mental health is an issue for many Australians and if left untreated can become a chronic illness.
- The MindStep program helps people improve their mental health with a six- to eight-week phone or online-based program.
- MindStep’s approach uses specialised and easy-to-understand methods to help you manage your mental wellbeing.
The figures around mental health in Australia show just how widespread the subject is.
According to beyondblue, more than 3 million Australians will experience depression or anxiety in any given year.
The national mental health organisation adds that if left untreated, even the mildest symptoms can develop into chronic long-term illness.
However, the evidence-based program MindStep is providing support for Australians, helping them move through their experiences of depression and anxiety, and navigating their way towards recovery.
MindStep is a six-week phone-based or online program that empowers you to manage your mental health on your own terms and in the privacy of your own home.
Delivered through our Remedy Healthcare division, MindStep is based on a therapy called low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which looks at understanding your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Eligible participants can speak with specially trained mental health coaches as part of confidential programs designed to support people in adjusting to life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Around 75% of all graduates either show a measurable improvement in their mental health or recover completely. Patient feedback and program reports are overwhelmingly positive.
And people often say they wish they’d known about them earlier. Even if we’re experiencing good mental health, these strategies can be learned and applied to everyday situations.
How does MindStep work?
Ruby Wolinska, MindStep Coach for Remedy Healthcare, says factors such as isolation, stress and anxiety can all affect our mental health, and MindStep’s approach uses specialised and easy-to-understand methods to help you manage your mental wellbeing.
“MindStep employs a CBT-based approach to improving common mental health problems that anyone may face, particularly during difficult times like these,” Ruby says.
“The program features structured, educational tasks and each participant is supported through coaching sessions to engage and try new ways of managing their symptoms.”
There are two programs available, which are run over six to eight weeks with support from a MindStep Coach. One is based on completion of online CBT modules, and the other involves weekly telephone sessions.
To determine which program is appropriate, participants undertake a questionnaire and assessment.
This assessment gathers information about a participant’s main area of concern, whether it’s stress, low mood or low motivation, difficulties managing chronic pain, or symptoms of anxiety.
The MindStep coach and patient work together to identify where positive changes can be made and how simple adjustments can have great benefits. Finally, a discussion is had about the aims and goals the participant would like to work toward.
For those who are assessed with milder psychometric scores, the MindStep online program has proved to be ideal.
“The key advantage of this program is that clients may access it at any time to work through a series of online lessons, making it very flexible,” Ruby says. \
“MindStep online is complemented by check-in calls from MindStep coaches to provide comprehensive support and engagement.”
Ralph’s journey to better mental health
For Ralph Guice, the spark that ignited his very being had gone out.
Following a family tragedy, Ralph says, “I was about as low as you could go at that point.”
Ralph wasn’t enjoying his art, he wasn’t enjoying working on his car, and he wasn’t enjoying being around other people.
“There’s no question, my mental health was in a parlous state,” he says. “I wasn’t participating in things; I was angry at the world.”
And that’s when MindStep came through to help.
Despite initially feeling undeserving of receiving assistance, Ralph soon had his doubts dispelled.
“It just felt terrific to know there was someone else there apart from family and friends thinking about me,” he says. “I feel so much more positive than two years ago, in the middle of that deep, deep depression.”
Undertaking the MindStep course, Ralph discovered how not just his mental health but also his overall wellbeing improved over time.
“MindStep worked because it came along—not only was it a great program—it came along at the right time,” he says.
“Setting those goals over time did make me have better habits, better way of coping with each day and getting through each day and enjoying each day.
“I can't tell you, I can only explain how I feel and that is much, much, much better. The MindStep program was tremendously significant in getting me there.”
Am I eligible for MindStep?
Australian Unity members with eligible Hospital Cover (or Hospital Cover with Extras) can apply to access the MindStep program.
Please check your product Fact Sheet to see if you’re covered, and contact Australian Unity on 13 29 39.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is of a general nature. Australian Unity accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions, advice, representations or information contained in this publication. Readers should rely on their own advice and enquiries in making decisions affecting their own health, wellbeing or interest. Interviewee names and titles were accurate at the time of writing.
