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Sonia Kumar
In today’s world, mental illness and distress are common and these account for a significant burden of disability within our community. At the same time, there is a growing interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and wellbeing; particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion. Positive Psychiatry is a new term (Jeste et al 2016) that describes a dual approach to mental health, where we build strengths, supports and healthy lifestyles as well as treating illness and distress.
Read more
In today’s world, mental illness and distress are common and these account for a significant burden of disability within our community. At the same time, there is a growing interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and wellbeing; particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion. Positive Psychiatry is a new term (Jeste et al 2016) that describes a dual approach to mental health, where we build strengths, supports and healthy lifestyles as well as treating illness and distress.
Read more
In today’s world, mental illness and distress are common and these account for a significant burden of disability within our community. At the same time, there is a growing interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and wellbeing; particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion. Positive Psychiatry is a new term (Jeste et al 2016) that describes a dual approach to mental health, where we build strengths, supports and healthy lifestyles as well as treating illness and distress.
In this course, we will explore different aspects of good mental health as well as provide an overview of the major kinds of mental disorders, their causes, treatments and how to seek help and support. The course will feature a large number of Australian experts in psychiatry, psychology and mental health research, and we will also hear from “lived experience experts”, people who have lived with mental illness, and share their personal stories of recovery.
We take an evidence-based approach to a range of strategies that anyone can use to enhance their own mental health and that of others, from exercise and relaxation techniques through to the role of love, relationships and 'good' types of work. We cover topics from creativity and yoga through to psychiatric medications and psychotherapies.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/iagy2h/positive
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1 - Positive mental health and Psychiatry
Welcome to the MOOC! Get yourself acquainted. This module is about positive mental health, stress and recovery, and some of the important findings from Aristotle through to recent research on the correlates to happiness.
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Syllabus
Module 1 - Positive mental health and Psychiatry
Welcome to the MOOC! Get yourself acquainted. This module is about positive mental health, stress and recovery, and some of the important findings from Aristotle through to recent research on the correlates to happiness.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops an understanding of positive mental health, as well as the major kinds of mental disorders, their causes, treatments and how to seek help and support
Taught by experts in psychiatry, psychology and mental health research, along with lived experience experts
Examines an evidence-based approach to a range of strategies to enhance mental health
Covers topics from creativity and yoga through to psychiatric medications and psychotherapies
Students should expect to read academic texts and engage with complex concepts
Suitable for those with an interest in mental health from a personal or professional perspective
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Reviews summary
Explore positive psychiatry and mental health
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of mental health, balancing approaches to treating illness with strategies for enhancing wellbeing. Students appreciated the dual perspective of Positive Psychiatry. The curriculum covers a range of topics from lifestyle and relationships to major mental disorders and paths to recovery. Many found the contributions from Australian experts and lived experience speakers particularly insightful.
Covers major disorder categories and treatments.
"The modules on major mental illnesses provided a good, understandable overview of common conditions."
"It was helpful to learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for conditions like depression and anxiety."
"Understanding the different paths to recovery discussed in the final module felt hopeful and informative."
Explores multiple facets of mental health.
"I felt the course covered a lot of ground, from positive wellbeing strategies to understanding common mental illnesses."
"They really touched on many different aspects of mental health, which gave a good overview."
"It was interesting to learn about the link between lifestyle, relationships, and mental state alongside clinical topics."
Provides actionable ways to improve health.
"I learned practical strategies I can use for my own mental health, like relaxation techniques and the role of exercise."
"They offered evidence-based approaches that felt applicable to everyday life."
"The course gave me tools to think about how relationships and work impact wellbeing in a tangible way."
Blends wellness enhancement with illness treatment.
"I liked how they focused on building strengths and supports, not just treating problems."
"The idea of a dual approach, focusing on both illness and wellbeing, was refreshing and practical."
"It wasn't just about disorders; it was also about thriving and building positive mental health."
Valuable perspectives from professionals and patients.
"Hearing directly from people who have lived with mental illness was incredibly impactful and added depth."
"The experts explained complex topics clearly, and the personal stories made it relatable."
"I appreciated the mix of academic knowledge from experts and real-world insights from lived experience speakers."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health with these
activities:
Practice relaxation techniques for stress reduction
Show steps
Develop relaxation skills
Browse courses on
Stress Management
Show steps
-
Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
-
Practice relaxation techniques regularly
-
Notice the benefits of relaxation techniques in your life
Read 10 articles on positive psychology
Show steps
Identify important concepts in positive psychology
Show steps
-
Search for 10 articles on positive psychology
-
Read the articles and take notes
-
Summarize the main points of each article
-
Identify the key concepts in positive psychology
Take a free online course on mental health first aid
Show steps
Gain knowledge of mental health first aid
Show steps
-
Find a free online course on mental health first aid
-
Take the course and learn about mental health first aid
-
Apply your knowledge of mental health first aid in your life
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Create a gratitude journal or gratitude exercise
Show steps
Develop a practice of gratitude
Browse courses on
Mindfulness
Show steps
-
Decide on the format of your gratitude journal or exercise
-
Set aside time each day to practice gratitude
-
Reflect on the things you are grateful for
Attend a mental health awareness event or workshop
Show steps
Connect with others and learn about mental health
Show steps
-
Find a mental health awareness event or workshop in your community
-
Attend the event or workshop
-
Share your experience with others
Write a blog post about the benefits of exercise for mental health
Show steps
Communicate the importance of exercise for mental health
Show steps
-
Research the benefits of exercise for mental health
-
Write a blog post outlining the benefits of exercise for mental health
-
Share your blog post with others
Attend a workshop on cognitive behavioral therapy
Show steps
Learn cognitive behavioral therapy skills
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on cognitive behavioral therapy
-
Attend the workshop and learn about cognitive behavioral therapy
-
Practice cognitive behavioral therapy skills in your life
Volunteer at a mental health organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in mental health
Browse courses on
Mental health support
Show steps
-
Find a mental health organization to volunteer with
-
Apply to volunteer
-
Volunteer at the organization and support people with mental health challenges
Create a presentation on the different types of mental illness
Show steps
Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of mental illness
Show steps
-
Research the different types of mental illness
-
Create a presentation on the different types of mental illness
-
Present your presentation to others
Practice relaxation techniques for stress reduction
Show steps
Develop relaxation skills
Browse courses on
Stress Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
- Practice relaxation techniques regularly
- Notice the benefits of relaxation techniques in your life
Read 10 articles on positive psychology
Show steps
Identify important concepts in positive psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for 10 articles on positive psychology
- Read the articles and take notes
- Summarize the main points of each article
- Identify the key concepts in positive psychology
Take a free online course on mental health first aid
Show steps
Gain knowledge of mental health first aid
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a free online course on mental health first aid
- Take the course and learn about mental health first aid
- Apply your knowledge of mental health first aid in your life
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Create a gratitude journal or gratitude exercise
Show steps
Develop a practice of gratitude
Browse courses on
Mindfulness
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Decide on the format of your gratitude journal or exercise
- Set aside time each day to practice gratitude
- Reflect on the things you are grateful for
Attend a mental health awareness event or workshop
Show steps
Connect with others and learn about mental health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a mental health awareness event or workshop in your community
- Attend the event or workshop
- Share your experience with others
Write a blog post about the benefits of exercise for mental health
Show steps
Communicate the importance of exercise for mental health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the benefits of exercise for mental health
- Write a blog post outlining the benefits of exercise for mental health
- Share your blog post with others
Attend a workshop on cognitive behavioral therapy
Show steps
Learn cognitive behavioral therapy skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on cognitive behavioral therapy
- Attend the workshop and learn about cognitive behavioral therapy
- Practice cognitive behavioral therapy skills in your life
Volunteer at a mental health organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in mental health
Browse courses on
Mental health support
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a mental health organization to volunteer with
- Apply to volunteer
- Volunteer at the organization and support people with mental health challenges
Create a presentation on the different types of mental illness
Show steps
Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of mental illness
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the different types of mental illness
- Create a presentation on the different types of mental illness
- Present your presentation to others
Career center
Learners who complete Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Certified Rehabilitation Counselors use evidence-based strategies to empower individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges to achieve their goals. This course provides an overview of psychiatric disorders, treatments, and recovery. It also covers topics such as exercise, relaxation, and mindfulness, which are all important for helping individuals with mental health conditions regain their independence.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, providing care to patients with mental health conditions. This course can help Registered Nurses improve their understanding of mental health and gain new skills to use in their practice.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists use evidence-based strategies to help people with mental health conditions. This course can help Psychologists build on their existing skills and expand their knowledge of mental health.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support to individuals and families who are dealing with mental health challenges. This course can help Social Workers develop a better understanding of mental health and learn new skills to use in their practice.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals with mental health conditions. This course can help Mental Health Counselors improve their understanding of mental health and gain new skills to use in their practice.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help individuals with mental health conditions develop the skills they need to live independently. This course can help Occupational Therapists gain a better understanding of mental health and learn new skills.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. This course can help Psychiatrists stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in mental health care.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselors help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. This course can help Addiction Counselors develop a better understanding of addiction and learn new skills to use in their practice.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Managers coordinate care for individuals with mental health conditions. This course can help Case Managers gain a better understanding of mental health and learn new skills.
Peer Support Specialist
Peer Support Specialist
Peer Support Specialists are individuals who have personal experience with mental health conditions who provide support and guidance to others who are struggling. This course can help Peer Support Specialists develop a better understanding of mental health and learn new skills.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers play an important role in supporting students with mental health conditions. This course can help Teachers develop a better understanding of mental health and learn new skills to use in the classroom.
Minister
Minister
Ministers provide spiritual support and guidance to individuals and families. This course can help Ministers develop a better understanding of mental health, which can be beneficial in their work.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructors teach yoga, a mind-body practice that has been shown to improve mental health. This course can help Yoga Instructors develop a better understanding of mental health.
Writer
Writer
Writers can use their words to promote mental health awareness and help others understand the challenges of mental illness. This course can help Writers develop a better understanding of mental health.
Artist
Artist
Artists can use their creativity to express their own experiences with mental health and help others understand the challenges of mental illness. This course can help Artists develop a better understanding of mental health.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/iagy2h/positive
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health :
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health .
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, which focuses on the study of human strengths and well-being. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of positive mental health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, which is the study of the strengths and virtues that enable people to thrive. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the science of happiness and well-being.
Save
This memoir describes the author's year-long experiment in happiness, during which she tried out different strategies to improve her well-being. It would be a relatable and inspiring read for students who are interested in practical tips for enhancing their mental health.
Explores the power of mindset and how it can affect our success. It valuable resource for anyone looking to develop a growth mindset and achieve their goals.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and how we can use it to change our behavior. It practical guide for anyone looking to break bad habits and develop good ones.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety.
Classic self-help book that provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness. It valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their productivity and achieve their goals.
Explores the importance of emotional intelligence and how it can be used to improve our relationships, careers, and overall well-being. It valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their emotional intelligence.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides practical tips for changing our habits for the better. It would be helpful for students who want to understand how to create healthy habits that support their mental well-being.
Explores the science of happiness and how it can be used to improve our performance at work and in life. It practical guide for anyone looking to create a more positive and fulfilling life.
Challenges the conventional wisdom that stress is always harmful. It argues that stress can actually be beneficial for our health and well-being if we learn to manage it effectively.
Save
Collection of wisdom from the Dalai Lama on how to live a happy and fulfilling life. It valuable resource for anyone looking for guidance on how to find peace and happiness.
Save
Presents a theory of optimism and provides exercises to help readers develop a more optimistic outlook on life. It would be beneficial for students who want to learn how to cope with negative thoughts and emotions.
Save
Provides a step-by-step program for overcoming depression without drugs. It valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their mental health and live a more fulfilling life.
Provides a self-help guide to overcoming depression and anxiety. It is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be an effective treatment for these conditions.
Provides information and strategies for managing bipolar disorder. It valuable resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or who is supporting someone who has been diagnosed.
Provides a step-by-step guide to overcoming anxiety and phobias. It includes exercises and worksheets to help readers manage their symptoms.
Save
Provides exercises and strategies for overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It valuable resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with OCD or who is supporting someone who has been diagnosed.
Save
Provides exercises and strategies for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It valuable resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with PTSD or who is supporting someone who has been diagnosed.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and treatments for depression. It is written in a clear and accessible style.
Provides a comprehensive overview of bipolar disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments. It is written in a clear and accessible style.
Provides a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments. It is written in a clear and accessible style.
Provides a mindfulness-based approach to overcoming anxiety. It includes exercises and meditations to help readers manage their symptoms.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/iagy2h/positive
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Sonia Kumar
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Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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