Courses

Explore the development and implementation of virtual health assistants (VHAs) in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into the use of online verified mental health resources for creating ChatGPT-like VHAs, with a focus on safety and ethical considerations. Examine various past and contemporary AI-based VHAs, including a demonstration of ALLEVIATE-MH, a mental health assistance VHA developed at the AI Institute at UofSC. Gain insights into the potential of AI and natural language processing in supporting individuals with mental health concerns, and understand the crucial aspects of responsible VHA development.

Explore key mental health conditions in this 30-minute animated video series. Learn about schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Gain insights into symptoms, causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for each condition through engaging animations.

Explore the powerful connection between heavy metal music and mental health in this thought-provoking TEDx talk by Dr. Mark Deeks, a rock piano specialist with a PhD in Heavy Metal. Discover how music, particularly heavy metal, can serve as a therapeutic tool for coping with grief and depression. Learn about Deeks' personal journey of using music to overcome a family tragedy and transform a once-joyful song into a beautiful tribute. Gain insights into the potential benefits of music for mental well-being, drawing from Deeks' 25+ years of experience in the music industry and his work as a Musical Director, performer, and piano teacher. Understand how harnessing musicality, writing, and arranging music can contribute to emotional healing and personal growth. This 15-minute talk offers a unique perspective on the intersection of heavy metal, mental health, and the transformative power of music.

Explore geriatric mental health in this comprehensive physician grand rounds presentation. Delve into various types of depression, distinguishing between bereavement and major depressive disorder. Learn about depression treatments, including antidepressant dosing strategies. Examine neurocognitive disorders, focusing on neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, their prevalence, course, and non-pharmacologic management. Investigate delirium, its types, symptoms, and risk factors, along with sedation assessment techniques. Gain insights through three case presentations illustrating key concepts in geriatric psychiatry. Enhance your understanding of mental health challenges and treatment approaches for older adults.

This presentation by Amanda Newhouse, LICSW, explores the critical topic of maternal mental health as part of the WVCTSI Project ECHO Psychiatry series. Learn about the challenges, assessment strategies, and treatment approaches for mental health conditions affecting mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Gain valuable insights from a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in supporting maternal wellbeing through this 36-minute educational session.

Explore a comprehensive series of lectures on psychology and mental health, covering a wide range of topics from anxiety and depression to addiction and personality disorders. Gain insights into common mental health issues, their symptoms, and potential coping strategies. Delve into personal stories and case studies that illustrate the complexities of various psychological conditions. Learn about the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, the effects of social media on self-esteem, and the challenges of dealing with grief and loss. Discover the psychological aspects of body image, relationships, and self-destructive behaviors. Examine controversial psychological experiments and their ethical implications. Acquire knowledge about seeking help, communicating with loved ones about mental health, and finding meaning in life. This collection of talks aims to destigmatize mental health issues and provide valuable information for those seeking to understand and improve their psychological well-being.

In this course, you'll find short lessons and quizzes that cover topics related to mental health and pharmacology. Work through the course at your own pace to study for exams, get extra homework help, catch up in class and bring up your grades.

Explore peripartum mental illness and maternal mental health in this 35-minute video lecture presented by Dr. Aliana Abascal as part of the WVCTSI Project ECHO Psychiatry series. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of mental health issues during pregnancy and the postpartum period, equipping healthcare professionals with essential knowledge to better support expectant and new mothers.

Although being at work during periods of mental illness can be difficult for those with mental health problems, most people with these difficulties could take paid employment if it were not for numerous barriers in the workplace and the wider community (Centre for Mental Health, 2013). In this free course, Work and mental health, you will look at some of the ways in which employment affects mental health and what can be done to support people in finding and keeping work.This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course K240 Mental health and community.

ABOUT THE COURSE:The course provides practical exercises, mindfulness techniques, and skill-building modules focused on conflict resolution, time management, and goal setting, tailored for students navigating the challenges of college life. Led by IIT Kanpur’s Head, Counseling Service and Clinical Psychologists, it offers tools to manage stress, anxiety, and personal growth, accessible for free with optional certification at a nominal fee. This initiative promotes mental health awareness and support, meeting the rising needs of today's students in a holistic, practical manner.INTENDED AUDIENCE: Undergraduate/Postgraduate StudentsINDUSTRY SUPPORT: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Discover why mental health matters in the construction industry Construction has one of the worst rates of mental health issues of any industry. For example, in the UK low-skilled male manual workers are 3.7 times more likely to commit suicide than the national average. Mental health issues can be caused or exacerbated by the working environment and in construction workers will often experience high workloads, tight deadlines and financial pressures. The ‘macho’ culture within construction often prevents people from speaking out and seeking help. On this course, you’ll learn what mental health is, how to identify its signs and symptoms, and understand how to manage your own mental well being as well as that of your colleagues. You’ll hear from people in the industry about how to change construction’s culture to end the stigma around mental health. This course would be of value to anyone involved in the construction industry and the built environment with an interest in improving the industry’s record on mental health. It would also be useful for family and friends of those involved in these areas who want to know more about mental wellbeing.

Explore the critical intersection of mental health and confidentiality in this 20-minute presentation by Candace Layne from the WVCTSI Project ECHO CMH (Community Mental Health) program. Learn about ethical considerations, legal requirements, and best practices for maintaining patient confidentiality while providing effective mental health care.

Whether you are a health professional working with people with mental health challenges; someone who struggles daily with low mood, anxiety or stress; someone who supports others who face mental health struggles, or you are simply interested in the fascinating interface between food and brain health, this course is for you! Professor Julia Rucklidge has developed this course based on her world-leading research into the links between nutrition and mental well-being. The course will cover evidence supporting the premise that eating better, and taking additional nutrients when appropriate, can improve mental health for many people. What foods and nutrients should you consume to improve your mental wellbeing? Join us on this evidence-based discovery! Professor Rucklidge and other experts in psychology, toxicology, and nutrition will cover the history of using food as a treatment for mental health; the food components to consider when making dietary choices; and why we need to consider micronutrients in our food, such as minerals and vitamins, for building a better brain.

Explore the nuanced distinctions between various mental health disorders in this comprehensive 3.5-hour video series. Delve into detailed comparisons of conditions such as PTSD and Complex PTSD, personality disorders including Narcissistic, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Borderline, and mood disorders like Bipolar I and II. Gain insights into the differences between trauma types, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic conditions. Understand the contrasts between related disorders such as Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder, Somatic Symptom Disorder and Illness Anxiety Disorder, and Process Addiction versus Substance Use Disorder. Enhance your knowledge of mental health classifications, diagnostic criteria, and the subtle yet crucial differences that distinguish similar-seeming conditions from one another.

Explore the urgent need for culture and system change in addressing the current mental health crisis through this 17-minute TEDx talk by Craig Kramer, Mental Health Ambassador and Chair of the Global Campaign for Mental Health at Johnson & Johnson. Discover how the next generation of leaders can make a difference in transforming mental health care globally. Learn about initiatives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, promote research, improve access, and ensure better patient outcomes. Gain insights from Kramer's extensive experience and involvement with various mental health organizations and initiatives, including his work with the American Brain Coalition, citiesRISE, and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Understand the importance of mental health advocacy and the potential for positive change in this critical field.

Mental Health and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a free online course that aims to enhance understanding of mental health and its interaction with anxiety, depression and MS. The course consists of three modules. On successful completion you will be able to: Explain what mental health is and how it differs from mental illnessDescribe the symptoms and early signs of anxiety and depressionExplain the relationship between MS and anxiety and depressionDescribe some strategies for improving or maintaining mental health. This course was developed by the MS Research Flagship, Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania in collaboration with the MS community and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. Funding for the course development has been provided by the Australian Government.

Each year thousands of pounds are spent on medications to treat conditions such as anxiety and depression. These medications often have negative side effects. Exercise is an alternative treatment that is low cost and has few side effects. In this free course, Exercise and mental health, we will look at the links between exercise and improved mental health and psychological well-being. This will include consideration of the role of exercise in combating stress, anxiety and depression, and in enhancing mood.

Explore the significance of mental health and strategies for navigating emotional and mental challenges in this TEDx talk by psychologist Shibili Suhanah. Gain insights from Suhanah, also known as Sooperwomeen, who has been influential in setting mental health standards in society. Learn about her innovative approach to addressing socially relevant topics and her work at Haven on Earth, a clinic dedicated to assisting those in need. Discover valuable perspectives on maintaining emotional well-being and overcoming mental hurdles in this compelling presentation.

Boost your knowledge of mental health counseling to prepare for exams or satisfy your personal curiosity about counseling techniques using this Mental Health Study Guide course. Engaging video lessons make it easy to learn and retain information about counselor roles, approaches and more.

In this free course, Mental health in society, you will explore and critically reflect on mental health. You will explore the relationship between the lived experiences of individuals, and the society and environment in which they live. Different perspectives, approaches and models of understanding and critiquing mental health will be explored as well as a chance to develop skills in taking notes online.This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course K243 Critical perspectives on mental health in society.