An introductory course that empowers its learners with the tools to maintain positive mental health.
Mental illness and distress are common in today’s world and account for a significant burden of disability within our society. Concurrently, interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and well-being is growing, particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion. In 2016, the term ‘Positive Psychiatry’ gained traction that encompasses a dual approach to mental health where the aim is to build strengths, supports, and healthy lifestyles, as well as treat illness and distress.
The University of Sydney provides a beginner-level course to adopt health and well-being maintenance as a skill set through their course, Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health, on the online learning platform, Coursera.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The course takes an evidence-based approach to a range of strategies that anyone can use to enhance mental health. Over 5 weeks, learners get an overview of the major kinds of mental disorders, their causes, treatments and how to seek help and support. The lectures feature experts in psychiatry, psychology and mental health research, as well as personal stories of recovery from ‘lived experience experts.’
MODULE 1
Positive Mental Healthand Psychiatry
The introductory module starts with definitions and perspectives on positive mental health, stress and recovery. Important findings on factors that correlate to happiness, starting from the days of Aristotle to recently published research are explained over multiple videos. The main topics discussed throughout the module are well-being, positive mental health and psychiatry, stress, recovery perspective, positive psychology, steps to happiness, and the PERMA model which stands for ‘Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment’.
Module duration: 3 hours
Videos: 8
Readings: 8
Quizzes : 2
MODULE 2
Body and Mind
The focus of the second module is on the central importance of physical health and lifestyle and how exercise can be sued as an evidence-based treatment for common mental health conditions. Additionally, the module covers basic relaxation and mindfulness strategies, as well as personality strengths. The topics covered in the module are yoga, sleep, nutrition, relaxation, mindfulness, community mental health, the Insomnia Severity Index, and Strengths Assessment and VIA Survey of Character Strengths.
Module duration: 3 hours
Videos: 9
Readings: 9
Quizzes : 2
MODULE 3
Love and Work
Some experts have described mental health as the capacity to love and to work. This concept is explored in the module with complementary ideas of rest and play. The module also explores attachment theory, social connections and the importance of contribution. The topics discussed are creativity, autonomy and connection, families and carers, social and economic participation, consumer communities, and work and mental health.
Module duration: 3 hours
Videos: 9
Readings: 7
Quizzes : 1
MODULE 4
Mental Illness
The module covers the major categories of mental illness, their symptoms, causes and treatments. Common conditions such as anxiety, depression and addictions are openly discussed, and less common conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are explained. Additional topics covered in the module are addictions, trauma, psychotherapies, psychiatric medication, ADHD and the autism spectrum.
Module duration: 5 hours
Videos: 10
Readings: 11
Quizzes : 2
MODULE 5
Paths to Recovery
This is the final module of the course where learners gain insights into various paths to recovery. The topics discussed in the module are resilience, the importance of early intervention, innovations in mental health, creativity, music therapy, art therapy, and spirituality. At the end of the module, learners can take a practice exercise to understand the depth and breadth of their knowledge of Positive Psychiatry.
Module duration: 3 hours
Videos: 10
Readings: 3
Quizzes : 2
COURSE RATING AND REVIEW
Based on 3,278 ratings, the course is rated 4.8/5. Learners have commended the insights received on mental health and voiced their appreciation for the tools of empowerment the course has given them to maintain positive psychiatry.
