If you missed the first online mental health workshop that was recently hosted for staff members at the North-West University (NWU), worry not.

The NWU will be hosting a second webinar session on 14 April at 10am.

The 75 minute long webinar will be presented via Zoom, and can accommodate a maximum of 300 participants. All you need to connect to this essential workshop is a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam (or an iPad), a decent internet connection and a quiet space to sit down.

Join the Zoom meeting by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/195104161- or download the Zoom app from the Apple iOS or Google Play Stores and then join by using the following Meeting ID: 195 104 161

What to expect during the webinar

During the webinar, Prof Pieter Kruger, a consultant clinical psychologist and director of the NWU’s Centre for Health & Human Performance (CHHP), will identify the main psychological challenges posed by a pandemic such as Covid-19.

He will explain the latest research in the fields of cognitive behavioural psychology and neuroscience, providing participants with an understanding of the mechanics of anxiety and why the brain struggles to deal with uncertainty.

The workshop will also explore some of the particular psychological challenges related to the Covid-19 lockdown, including self-isolation and social distancing.

Prof Kruger will also provide participants with evidence-based tools and techniques to help them deal with anxiety effectively and incorporate functional behaviours during this challenging time. This will be followed by a short question and answer session and a referral to further resources.