We are delighted to be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week which takes place from 9-15 May 2022. Jo Carrington, Skills Development Tutor has spoken to us about the importance of raising the awareness of mental health problems.
The Growth Company is proud to deliver a Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems. This flexible, online qualification develops your knowledge and understanding of a range of mental health issues, including general mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, dementia and other conditions which may significantly affect the mental health of a person. We all have a responsibility to not only look after our own mental health, but to educate ourselves to recognise potential signs of mental ill-health in our colleagues, friends and family members.
Why is the Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems important?
Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide and it is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem.
The aim of the course is to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide an insight into the impact it can have on our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.
Who is the course for?
I deliver the Level 2 Mental Health Awareness course and it is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning more about mental health.
It is designed for staff working with people who are affected by a mental health illness as well as those who have an interest in it or experience it themselves.
As a community, should we be doing anything else to support mental health awareness?
I believe that we can all play a part in helping to reduce the stigma around mental health as it could encourage people to talk about it more openly and not suffer in silence or feel ashamed.
Having an awareness of possible early signs and symptoms and knowing where to sign post people to for professional help and support could prevent problems from developing.
What are the benefits of the course?
This is a Level 2 course which is run over 12 weeks and provides an overview of mental health covering 12 topics including depression, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders. It is delivered online, resources are supplied, study time can fit in around home/work life commitments and Tutor support is available throughout the course.
The course is fully funded (free!) and learners who successfully complete it will gain an accredited Level 2 qualification.
How can I tell if someone has a mental health problem?
It might not be possible to tell if a person is experiencing a mental health issue as there are not always obvious signs. However, changes in behaviour could become noticeable and indicate a potential problem.
Symptoms vary and can include being withdrawn, tearful, severe mood swings, eating or sleeping too much or too little, having low or no energy.
What is the best way to improve my mental wellbeing?
I think there needs to be a combination of maintaining a balanced diet, keeping active - walking, yoga, gardening etc, taking up hobbies, having a support network and aiming to achieve a work-life balance. Everything in moderation!
Where can I find out more information?
If you are struggling with your mental health (or know someone who is), you may want to find additional support.
Please visit Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation
If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing mental and emotional distress that – right now - feels unbearable and overwhelming, click here.
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by the national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time - find support locally by clicking here.
On our course, you will be given a thorough grounding in what is meant by mental health terminology, possible causes and triggers of each condition, how each condition can affect the lives of the people living with them, and how conditions may be managed.
The benefits of this course include:
- Learn from your own home, in your own time
- Achieve a nationally recognised level 2 qualification
- Access to online learning and assessment materials
- Support from a subject specialist Tutor
- Funding available – speak to one of our team for more information and to see if you are eligible
Find out more...
