The aim of this course is to learn about ‘Mental Health’ and what is meant by this. We will look into the key components of mental well-being and delve into the issues that surround mental health. The course will help you to become aware of the attitudes that are prevalent when mental health is discussed and what impacts these can have. We will look into the risk factors associated with mental health and also legislation that we need to be aware of.  The course will give you a good, all round understanding of mental health, enabling you to recognise concerns and also identify where we can make changes to support our own mental health.

According to the definition outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2016:

‘Health’ is referred to as a “state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease of infirmary.”

The WHO also explains that ‘mental health’ is:

The “state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

This course will enable you to recognise that mental health is vital for overall health and well-being and why it must be recognised as so.

This Mental Health Awareness course will also provide you with some tools you can use to develop and practise the concepts of mindfulness, which can be a powerful support when working on strengthening and supporting mental health.

By the end of this Mental Health Awareness Training course, students will:

• Know what is meant by ‘Mental Health’

• Recognise the key components of mental wellbeing

• Recognise some chronic stressors

• Be able to identify some issues surrounding mental health care

• Recognise some common difficulties that people may face

• Look in to the stigma surrounding mental health

• Be able to identify social and cultural attitudes towards mental health

• Delve in to the issues surrounding modern media and mental health

• Recognise stereotyping surrounding mental health

• Learn about mental health and the impact this can have on relationships with others

• Learn the impact negative attitudes have on mental health

• Recognise mental health risk factors – social, psychological, biological and physical

• Learn about some legislation surrounding mental health

• Understand what Community Treatment Orders are

• Know what Mindfulness is

• Recognise the benefits of mindfulness on mental health

• Understand factors that can impede mindful insight

• Be given some Mindfulness exercises that can be used to strengthen and support mental health

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to explore your own values, beliefs, strengths, thought processes and patterns. You will be challenged to look at your own perceptions and think about why you have them, and how you can strengthen your own mental health when you understand where your thoughts and emotions have come from.