A pocket psychologist

So she developed the MyPsyDiary app to allow people to have a “pocket psychologist”.

The app monitors mood and emotions on a daily basis, and tracks sleep and lifestyle choices, such as medication, alcohol and drug use.

It also allows for goal setting and has strategies for various emotional reactions, including breathing control, muscle relaxation, guided imagery, distress tolerance, distraction exercises and mindfulness.

Music, photographs and contacts can also be added which can be used as relaxation tools or people to call if needed, such as close friends or Lifeline.

“Last year I had a client whose journal was read by their family and then another client who had a panic attack and rang me during my lunch break and I had to talk them through it,” Ms Commons-Treloar said.

“But the client said to me ‘I know this stuff so why can’t I do it now”?”

Both instances prompted Ms Commons-Treloar to develop the app, which can be locked and has no data sharing capability. She is also in discussions with Federation University to do clinical trials with the app, which won a Best Mobile Apps silver award in the United States in the social/lifestyle category.

The app also tracks monthly mood ratings, particularly compared to lifestyle choices. “You get to know your patterns and your vulnerability.”

MyPsyDiary will also sponsor the first Stomp Out the Stigma football game between Bungaree and Buninyong in the Central Highlands Football League on July 30.

The game has been organised by Survivors of Suicide and is in memory of Matt Steenhuis, who played for Bungaree prior to his death, while his son Lachie now plays for Buninyong.

Survivors of Suicide founder Kristy Hughes-Steenhuis, who was Matt’s wife, said it was aimed at promoting help-seeking behaviour and getting people to speak about mental health and suicide.

“If you notice someone is down, then reach out and ask if they are okay,” Ms Steenhuis said.

“It’s about getting a conversation started.”