Groups at UAB are using technology to promote mental and physical health among the campus community.
“The B Well Mental Health App features were all ideas that came directly from students who were looking for a central hub for all the mental health resources, events and services on campus, instead of having to figure out where to go to get information about events, or counseling appointments, or crisis help or education about self-care and resources for resiliency,” said Angela Stowe, Ph.D. and director of Student Counseling Service.
Stowe said the team behind the app understands the struggle students are facing to maintain mental health practices.
“Many students are struggling and are seeking and needing support. Some students are looking for ways to make sure they can take care of themselves,” Stowe said. “This app’s highlight feature that we’re so proud of is the customizable, interactive self-care plan that students are able to individualize and then can use the wellness tracker and journal to help follow their self-care plan and support their mental health. Students are also really loving the live calendar feed that is bringing in to one place all of the events related to supporting mental health on campus.”
Stowe said one of the app’s features is a calendar that combines mental health events happening on campus. Other features include a self-care plan, self-help modules through Therapy Assistance Online, access to your patient portal in Counseling Services and more.
In the near future, Stowe said the app will be updated with additional learning features.
“In just a few weeks we’re going to release a major update that is going to have a feature with notifications as well as in-app video and audio exercises for breathing, grounding, finding calm, yoga and mindfulness exercises,” Stowe said.
Stowe said the development of the B Well App was a team effort.
“Our IT team at UAB is brilliant and brought their ideas to life in a beautiful app that has so many features to bring the ability to manage and take care of your mental health at your fingertips,” Stowe said.
UAB’s University Recreation has been working on Caravan Wellness, another app that will be available soon. This app also emphasizes student health.
“It’s a software that has a bunch of virtual options, a bunch of virtual videos from experts in the field of wellbeing”, said Payton Joyner, Assistant Director of Fitness & Well Being at University Recreation.
Since the pandemic began, University Recreation has offered free, virtual exercise classes on their website.
Joyner said the app will offer videos ranging from one to 30 minutes emphasizing emotional wellbeing, body awareness, yoga, light stretching and strength workouts.
Beyond the app and online exercises, Joyner said University Recreation employees enforce health protocols to keep the UAB community healthy. These protocols include heightened cleaning efforts, mask wearing and social distancing. Additionally, guests are required to present their UAB Passport when entering the building.
