- Unit 1: Understanding mental health
You’ll begin the course by understanding the concept of mental health and its impact. In this unit, you’ll explore the components of mental well-being, identify examples of mental health problems, and develop an understanding of how mental health care has changed with the move towards community care. Additionally, you’ll examine social and cultural attitudes towards mental health and study relevant legislation in relation to mental illness.
- Unit 2: Understanding stress
Throughout this unit, you’ll explore the possible causes of stress and its impact on mental health. You’ll develop an appreciation and understanding of what stress feels like and the different ways that stress can manifest itself. Plus, you’ll learn how stress can be effectively managed and discover some of the resources available to help individuals experiencing stress.
- Unit 3: Understanding anxiety
In this unit, you’ll develop an understanding of anxiety and its causes. You’ll learn what anxiety feels like and the different symptoms those suffering from anxiety might experience. You’ll also gain an understanding of ways in which anxiety can be managed and treated, as well as the role of family and friends in helping to reduce anxiety.
- Unit 4: Understanding phobias
During this unit, you’ll study the two main groups of phobias, what causes them, and what it feels like to experience one. You’ll understand how specific phobias can prevent people from leading a normal life, as well how a person’s phobia may affect their family and friends. In addition, you’ll explore different ways that phobias can be managed and treated.
- Unit 5: Understanding depression
This unit will explore the various causes and effects of depression. You’ll develop an understanding of what depression feels like and how it affects individuals, as well as their friends and family. You’ll also explore how the demands of daily life may contribute towards maintaining depression and understand the ways that depression can be managed.
- Unit 6: Understanding postnatal depression
In this unit, you’ll develop an understanding of post-natal depression, its possible causes, and what it feels like to experience. You’ll look at the difference between ‘baby blues’ and ‘postnatal depression’, as well as what’s meant by ‘puerperal psychosis.’ You’ll also learn how preparing for the birth can help reduce the risk of post-natal depression and explore possible treatment methods.
- Unit 7: Understanding bipolar disorder
In this unit, you’ll gain an understanding of bipolar disorder, including its possible causes and its effect on individuals. You’ll learn how to recognise the symptoms of bipolar order and understand how the stresses of everyday life can exacerbate these. Plus, you’ll uncover ways in which individuals with bipolar disorder can manage their illness and the local resources available to support them in this effort.
- Unit 8: Understanding schizophrenia
This unit will explore the causes and effects of schizophrenia. You’ll develop an appreciation of what schizophrenia feels like and how media representation often leads to fear and confusion with regard to this illness. You’ll explore the effect of schizophrenia on individuals, their lives, and their relationships with family and friends. Additionally, you’ll look at ways in which individuals can manage their illness and how family and friends can provide support
- Unit 9: Understanding dementia
During this unit, you’ll learn about the common types of dementia, possible causes, and what it feels like to experience. You’ll understand how dementia may affect an individual, as well as their friends and family, and explore possible interventions for dementia. Additionally, you’ll look at how people with dementia might be adversely affected by unconsidered actions or words.
- Unit 11: Understanding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
During this unit, you’ll explore the causes and effects of ADHD. You’ll learn about the different types of ADHD, common symptoms and how it affects an individual’s understanding. Plus, you’ll study different treatment methods and ways of managing ADHD.
This unit will provide you with an understanding of OCD, its causes, symptoms and treatment options. You’ll learn what it’s like to experience OCD, as well as the effect it can have on individuals and their families and friends. You’ll then look at the different ways that OCD can effectively be managed.
The final unit will help gain an in-depth understanding of PTSD, including its many causes and the impact it has on individuals and those around them. You’ll study the symptoms of PTSD and develop an appreciation of what it feels like to experience. Finally, you’ll explore the different ways that PTSD can be treated and managed.
