01
Overview
A grounded introduction to common mental health conditions, their presentation and their impact on daily life. Designed to build confident, non-clinical response in workplaces, schools and community settings.
02
Aims of the Course
- Recognise signs of common mental health conditions
- Respond supportively in the first instance
- Understand treatment pathways and recovery
- Reduce stigma through accurate language
03
Course Structure
01
Mental Health in Context
- The mental health continuum
- Language, stigma and media effects
- Social and structural determinants
- Recovery as a model
02
Common Conditions
- Anxiety and panic presentations
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and stress responses
- Psychosis and severe mental illness
03
Responding Well
- First response conversation skills
- Listening without fixing
- Asking about risk safely
- Signposting and services
04
Support and Treatment
- Talking therapies explained
- Medication basics and side effects
- Crisis and urgent care routes
- Self-management and peer support
05
Mental Health at Work and Study
- Reasonable adjustments
- Reasonable conversation about absence
- Managing workload and pressure
- Supporting returning colleagues
06
Self-Care and Boundaries
- Compassion fatigue
- Personal resilience practices
- Knowing your limits
- Building a wellbeing plan
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Recognise early indicators across four condition groups
- 02Conduct a supportive initial conversation
- 03Ask about risk and respond appropriately
- 04Signpost to the correct level of service
- 05Use non-stigmatising language consistently
05
Assessment
- Scenario response assessment
- Short written knowledge paper
- Personal wellbeing and boundaries plan
06
Entry Requirements
- Open access
07
Progression and Careers
- Workplace mental health champion
- Education support staff
- Community volunteer roles