Queen’s University to assist in improving practical coping skills to manage mood and
other aspects of functioning.
While Queen’s students are our intended audience, we hope this resource will be shared with anyone who may benefit from its use.
The purpose of this workbook is to improve the skills you use to manage your mood and general functioning. It is important to note that mood can vary significantly in intensity and duration. The workbook is designed as a useful guide to managing moods of varying intensity, but is not intended to replace professional treatment where this is required.
The workbook is based on empirically validated research and clinical experience related to the effective treatment of low mood and mild to moderate depression. The book may be used alone when symptoms are mild, or as an aid to treatment with a mental health professional.
Table of Contents
Your Best You 2
Purpose of this Workbook 3
Table of Contents 4
Introduction 5
QUIZ: Are You Ready To Make A Change? 6
Answers: How do your scores add up? 7
Things to Consider 8
1. Understanding Your Mood 9
Mood on a Continuum 10
What Is Depression? 11
Factors That Impact Mood 12
Personal Resources 13
Balance 14
WORKSHEET 1.2 Are Your Demands and Resources Balanced? 16
2. Case Studies 17
Li’s Story 18
Muhammed’s Story 19
Alison’s Story 20
3. Five Factor Model 21
Situation 23
Thoughts 24
WORKSHEET 3.1 Record Your Thoughts 24
Behaviours 27
WORKSHEET 3.2 Record Your Behaviours 27
Physical States 28
WORKSHEET 3.3 Record Your Physical Feelings 30
Mood 31
WORKSHEET 3.4a Connect Your Mood 31
WORKSHEET 3.4b Connect Your Mood 32
WORKSHEET 3.4c Connect Your Mood 33
Back to the Case Studies 34
4. Tools 37
Back to the Basics 39
WORKSHEET 4.1 Back to the Basics 39
Activities 41
WORKSHEET 4.2 Pleasant Activities 42
Small Attainable Goals 44
Plan Your Days One Day at a Time 45
WORKSHEET 4.3 Daily Activity Schedule 45
Thinking Errors 48
Balanced Thoughts 48
10 Common Thinking Errors 49
EAR – Listening to Yourself 51
WORKSHEET 4.4 EAR 53
Coping Cards 54
WORKSHEET 4.5 Coping Cards 55
5. Putting It All Together 56
What Strategies Have You Tried So Far? 57
What Strategies Are You Planning to Try? 57
Let’s Do a Quick Check-in: 60
60
Sample Mood Strategy Chart 61
WORKSHEET 5.1 Mood Strategy Chart 62
6. Planning for the Future 63
Plan Ahead 64
WORKSHEET 6.1 Planning Ahead 65
Review, Review, Review 65
Appendix A: Back to Basics Sleep, Diet, Exercise & Relaxation Strategies 67
Basics 67
Sleep 67
Diet 68
Healthy Eating Tips 69
Quick and Easy Snacks 70
Grocery Shopping Tips 70
Time Savers 71
Healthy Options on Campus 71
Exercise 72
Be more active! 72
Relaxation Strategies 73
Muscle Relaxation 74
Appendix B: Resources 76
Appendix C 87
Worksheets 87
WORKSHEET 1.1: What Do You Want to Change? 88
WORKSHEET 1.2 Are Your Demands and Resources Balanced? 89
WORKSHEET 3.1 Record Your Thoughts 90
WORKSHEET 3.2 Record Your Behaviours 91
WORKSHEET 3.3 Record Your Physical Feelings 91
WORKSHEET 3.4ab Connect Your Mood 92
WORKSHEET 3.4c Connect Your Mood 93
WORKSHEET 4.1 Back to the Basics 94
WORKSHEET 4.2 Pleasant Activities 95
WORKSHEET 4.3 Daily Activity Schedule 95
WORKSHEET 4.4 EAR 97
WORKSHEET 4.5 Coping Cards 97
WORKSHEET 5.1 Mood Strategy Chart 98
WORKSHEET 6.1 Planning Ahead 99