This course will provide candidates with an awareness of the signs and symptoms of a wide range of conditions and better prepare them to listen to and support young people. It is aimed at teachers and youth workers who may work with children who exhibit signs of mental health issues.
It starts by defining mental illness and mental health problems and their impact on children and young people. There’s extensive coverage of the many types of mental illnesses found in this group, and how they can be recognised and treated.
The course looks at deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression and self-harm – along with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Other mental illnesses covered include schizophrenia, autism, learning difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, along with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, sleep apnoea and social phobia. Candidates will learn about symptoms and causes – and the actions to take if you suspect someone has a mental health condition.
The course covers the role of mental healthcare professionals, such as a psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses or clinical social workers – and shows how parents can become involved.
Treatments covered include psychotherapy, mindfulness, play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and medication.
The course looks at prognosis and prevention – and show how to promote positive mental health and dispel common myths and candidates will learn practical techniques to help talk to children or young people about their mental health.
