Our 6-Week Mental Health 101 Instruction Program curriculum is designed to provide individuals with foundational knowledge and understanding of mental health, its importance, and how to support others while also caring for their own mental well-being. Individuals or organizations can choose to only attend the introduction to mental health module or complete the entire 6-week training. Classes can be offered in both an online platform, or via in-person instruction.

 

Here’s a detailed curriculum outline for a comprehensive Mental Health 101 program:

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Course Title: Mental Health 101: Foundations of Well-being

Duration: 6 hours (can be spread over multiple sessions)
Target Audience: General public, students, community members, workplace employees, educators, and anyone interested in understanding mental health.

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Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health

Duration: 1 hour

• Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the definition of mental health.

  • Recognize the importance of mental health in overall well-being.

  • Discuss the difference between mental health and mental illness.

• Key Topics:

  • What is Mental Health?: Defining mental health, emotional well-being, and psychological resilience.

  • Stigma and Misconceptions: Understanding common myths and misconceptions about mental health.

  • The Spectrum of Mental Health: From wellness to mental illness – emphasizing that mental health exists on a continuum.

  • Mental Health and Physical Health Connection: The impact of physical health on mental well-being and vice versa.

• Interactive Activities:

  • Group discussion: “What does mental health mean to you?”

  • Reflection: Write down personal beliefs about mental health and compare them with factual information.

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Module 2: Common Mental Health Disorders

Duration: 1.5 hours

• Learning Objectives:

  • Learn about common mental health conditions.

  • Understand the symptoms, causes, and impact of each condition.

  • Recognize signs and symptoms in yourself and others.

• Key Topics:

  • Depression: Causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

  • Anxiety Disorders: Types of anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety).

  • Bipolar Disorder: Understanding manic and depressive episodes.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms and coping mechanisms.

  • Eating Disorders: Understanding the different types (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating).

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Causes, symptoms, and the importance of trauma-informed care.

• Interactive Activities:

  • Case study discussion: Present real-life scenarios (anonymously) for participants to identify symptoms and potential disorders.

  • Video clips or testimonials from individuals with lived experience (optional).

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Module 3: Mental Health in Different Populations

Duration: 1 hour

• Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how mental health can differ across age groups, genders, and cultures.

  • Recognize the unique challenges faced by various populations.

  • Identify resources and supports tailored for specific groups.

• Key Topics:

  • Children and Adolescents: Early signs of mental health issues in young people and how to provide support.

  • Adults and Seniors: Mental health challenges in adulthood, especially among seniors.

  • Cultural Considerations: How culture and stigma influence mental health experiences and access to care.

  • LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Unique mental health needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Workplace Mental Health: Mental health in the workplace, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive environment.

• Interactive Activities:

  • Role-playing exercise: Provide different scenarios based on diverse populations and discuss appropriate responses.

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Module 4: Coping Strategies and Self-Care

Duration: 1 hour

• Learning Objectives:

  • Learn practical coping strategies for managing mental health.

  • Explore the importance of self-care and how to implement it in daily life.

  • Recognize the role of support networks and professional help in maintaining mental health.

• Key Topics:

  • Coping Mechanisms: Healthy vs. unhealthy coping strategies, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving.

  • Self-Care: Importance of self-care routines, sleep hygiene, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

  • Support Networks: Building and utilizing a strong support network (family, friends, professional help).

  • Professional Help: Understanding therapy options (CBT, counseling, medication) and when to seek professional help.

• Interactive Activities:

  • Self-care assessment: Guide participants in creating a personalized self-care plan.

  • Mindfulness exercise: Practice basic mindfulness or deep-breathing techniques.

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Module 5: Recognizing Mental Health Crisis and How to Respond

Duration: 1 hour

• Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis.

  • Understand how to respond in a supportive and non-judgmental way.

  • Learn basic intervention techniques, including when and how to refer someone for professional help.

• Key Topics:

  • Crisis Situations: Identifying signs of severe distress (e.g., suicidal ideation, panic attacks, emotional breakdowns).

  • How to Respond: Providing immediate support, staying calm, and listening without judgment.

  • When to Seek Professional Help: Knowing when to call a professional (e.g., therapist, counselor, or emergency services).

  • Mental Health First Aid: Introduction to mental health first aid basics and the importance of early intervention.

• Interactive Activities:

  • Scenario-based role play: Participants practice how to respond to someone in a mental health crisis.

  • Q&A with mental health professionals (optional).

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Module 6: Resources and Support Systems

Duration: 1 hour

• Learning Objectives:

  • Learn about available mental health resources and support systems.

  • Understand how to access mental health services locally and online.

  • Learn how to advocate for mental health in your community.

• Key Topics:

  • Local Mental Health Resources: Introduction to hotlines, therapy options, and community support programs.

  • Online and Virtual Resources: Accessing mental health apps, online counseling, and support forums.

  • Advocacy and Reducing Stigma: How to be an ally and advocate for mental health in your community or workplace.

• Interactive Activities:

  • Resource guide creation: Participants can work together to create a local mental health resources list.

  • Discussion: Ways to reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness in their communities.

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Program Wrap-Up & Evaluation

Duration: 30 minutes

• Learning Objectives:

  • Reflect on key takeaways from the course.

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

  • Provide participants with tools to continue learning and applying mental health practices.

• Activities:

  • Open discussion on what participants learned and how they plan to use the information.

  • Completion of an anonymous course evaluation.

  • Provide participants with additional resources, reading material, and future learning opportunities.

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Additional Resources and Support Provided:

• Reading List: Suggested books, articles, and research papers on mental health topics.

• Online Courses/Workshops: Recommendations for further learning about mental health.

• Mental Health Apps: List of mobile apps for mindfulness, mental health management, and self-care.

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This Mental Health 101 curriculum can be adapted for different audiences, whether for schools, workplaces, or community groups. The program includes interactive components to keep participants engaged and ensure they leave with actionable knowledge and skills to manage mental health and support others. Contact us o join a class or set up training event for your organization.