Program stream: This module applies to the depression program.
The Activity Log module explores the connection between what you think and feel and what you do. It introduces the concepts of motivation and values, and the new skill of behavioural activation.
The first section of the module focuses on the behaviour part of the CBT triangle. It reminds the client that when someone's mood is low they tend to have thoughts and feelings that get in the way and stop them from doing things they like to do or are important to them.
The section talks about the idea of a downward spiral, when a person stops doing things, which in turn prevents them from feeling enjoyment, which then leads them to feel worse.
The Behavioural Activation section helps the client understand how important it is to start doing things before they actually feel like they have energy for them in order to interrupt the spiral. It encourages the client to start with a small activity, to start feeling better and continue to be able to do other small activities.
The section then goes on to describe two types of activities that can help the client feel better:
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Enjoyable activities - Which are things we do because we enjoy them. They are things the client would normally want to do, like hobbies, spending time with people they like, or eating their favourite food.
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Accomplishment activities - These are things we do that allow us to feel like we've done something productive. This is anything you can check off a to-do list and can include big or small accomplishments, like getting the mail, working out, cleaning the house, or preparing a meal.
The next section of the module explores the concept of values and how they can help the client live in alignment with what is important to them. The section helps the client understand how planning activities that match their values will help motivate them to accomplish things and feel better.
This section of the module encourages the client to reflect on their values. The following questions are asked to help the client get started:
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What am I passionate about?
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What would I want people to say about me as a person?
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What is something I couldn't live without?
A list of common values are provided to help the client work on their own:
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Compassion
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Leisure and recreations
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Achievement and Accomplishment
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Relationships
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Mental and Physical Health
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Education and Training
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Spirituality
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Community and Citizenship
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Career and Employment
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Creativity
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Leadership
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Environment and Nature
A short quiz follows to test content retention.
This section introduces the idea of a 7-Day activity log to help the client track their daily activities and help them figure out what boosts their mood, lowers their mood, and help them set activity goals in the future. Examples follow that provide sample activity logs for different personas.
The exercise for this module encourages the client to use the 7-day activity log every day. They are asked to track their activities and mood for the entire week. The client is asked to reflect on the ways the activity log can help them, rate the importance of starting to use it, and identify any potential barriers to the exercise. They are then asked to rank their confidence level and think of supports to help them increase their confidence.