#talkmentalillness from Coursera

I am a professor and mental health researcher and educator, and I’ve been working in the field for over 15 years. Like so many of my colleagues, however, I was unprepared for the wave of mental health challenges that would face our society in 2020. From COVID-19 and the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic to racial justice protests, widespread natural disasters, our current cultural moment presents unprecedented mental health concerns, and particularly for marginalized communities. For this reason, I led a field-wide call to action for mental health research and treatment that resulted in this #TalkMentalIllness course. I had the opportunity to speak to over 30 experts from different domains in psychology research, practice, and popular public figures and to discuss the causes and cutting-edge treatments for many serious disorders, the stigma surrounding mental illness in our culture, systemic inequality in mental health treatment, and the mental health challenges of today.

#talkmentalillness curates the interviews from the Mental Health Experts series into an accessible learning experience that will help you have conversations about mental health. Talking about mental illness is both the content and desired outcome of this course, as you will use what you learn from my interviews with mental health experts to guide your own discussions about mental health challenges and treatments with family members, friends, colleagues, and other people in your life. The course will begin by presenting a core set of definitions for mental illness and analyzing the stigma associated with it. We will then apply these topics to specific psychological disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, suicide, substance use, and psychosis. We will then consider how these issues disproportionately impact marginalized groups and communities of color. The course will conclude by considering innovative approaches to psychological treatments and how the pursuit and science of happiness inform mental health and wellness.

This course is part of a broader educational mission to share the science of mental illness with both students and the public, both locally and globally. I have designed and created it in collaboration with the Office for Academic Innovation and Libraries’ Media Services Team at the University of Colorado Boulder.

- June Gruber

What's inside

Syllabus

Public Perceptions of Mental Illness

In the first week of #talkmentalillness, you will learn about public perceptions of mental illness and analyze the stigma associated with it. This week features interviews with leading public figures including Temple Grandin, public advocate for autism and author of The "Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum"; Kay Redfield Jamison, international bipolar disorder expert and author of "Unquiet Mind" and "Touched with Fire"; Stephen Hinshaw, author of "Mark of Shame" and award-winning clinical psychology professor and Gordon Nagayama-Hall who discusses the influence of culture on mental health perception, diagnosis and treatment. Optional interviews include Mitchell Prinstein on communicating mental health to the public and Aaron Fisher on precision behavioral health.

Specific Psychological Disorders

The second week of #talkmentalillness will feature the latest insights into specific psychological disorders. This includes first-hand insights from Greg Siegle on the brain and depression, Linda Craighead on eating-related disorders, Bunmi Olatunji, an expert in the cognitive mechanisms and treatment for anxiety disorders, and Sheri Johnson, who is at at the forefront of emotion-related impulsivity and bipolar disorder. Optional interviews include Lee Anna Clark on personality disorders, Jutta Joormann on depression and cognition, Wendy Heller on anxiety disorders, Jonathan Rottenberg on depression and emotion, and Judy Garber on internalizing disorders.

Serious Mental Illness

The third week of #talkmentalillness delves into severe mental illness, including suicide, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and psychopathy. This includes first-hand discussion on the critical topic of suicide with MacArthur Genius awardee Matthew Nock, alcohol use disorders with Lara Ray, Diane Gooding examining the psychosis spectrum and early warning signs, and Abigail Marsh, author of "The Fear Factor", who speaks on psychopathy. Optional interviews include former president of the Association for Psychological Science, Robert Levenson, sharing his first-person observations into severe mental illness, suicide treatment and prevention expert Lauren Weinstock, and Deanna Barch providing new understandings of motivational systems that underlie and give rise to schizophrenia.

Disproportionate Impacts on Marginalized Communities

The fourth week of #talkmentalillness considers how mental illness disproportionately impacts marginalized groups and communities of color, as well vulnerable youth and family communities. Steven Lopez will tackle mental health disparities in Latinx communities, Lauren Ng discusses the field of global mental health and disproportionate impacts in developing nations, April Thames addresses mental health disparities among minoritized groups, and Kate McLaughlin discusses the relationship between stress and trauma as risk factors predicting greater mental health vulnerability. Optional interviews include Darby Saxbe on family systems and hormones, Jane Mendle on puberty and mental health, and Jessica Borelli on parent-child relationships.

Evidence-based Approaches to Treatments & the Science of Happiness

The fifth and final week of #talkmentalillness considers innovative evidence-based approaches to psychological treatments and how the pursuit and science of happiness and emotional wellness informs how we think about mental health. This includes interviews with and Laurie Santos, instructor of the most popular class on the science of well-being in Yale University’s history and director of the Happiness Lab podcast, Director of the Greater Good Science Center and science of happiness expert Dacher Keltner, international cognitive-behavior therapy expert Jacqueline Persons and Thomas Insel, director and founder of Mindstrong Health and former director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Optional interviews include James Gross on emotion regulation and mental health, Steven Hollon on cutting-edge treatments for depression, and Amelia Aldao on cognitive therapy for anxiety. Week 5 concludes with the final project for the course.

Final Project

For the final project for #talkmentalillness, you will share what you've learned in the course or a personal story related to mental illness on social media.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the stigma surrounding mental illness, a highly relevant topic in today's society

Led by June Gruber, a professor and mental health researcher with over 15 years of experience

Features interviews with over 30 experts in psychology research, practice, and popular public figures

Covers a broad range of topics, from anxiety and depression to suicide, substance use, and psychosis

Provides evidence-based approaches to psychological treatments and explores the science of happiness

Encourages students to have conversations about mental health challenges, fostering awareness and reducing stigma

Reviews summary

Highly rated course on mental illness

Learners say that this top-rated course offers insightful and thought-provoking content on mental illness. The course is well-paced and features engaging guest speakers. Students also appreciate the real-world examples and personal experiences from experts in psychology and mental health. Overall, this course is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding more about mental illness and its impact.

Features real-world examples and personal accounts

"all the personal accounts from the guest speakers were really insightful and enlightening..."

"It was a great series that featured many different professors and experts that explained their area of study and why it was important for students to know more about where mental health is going in today's society."

Taught by experts in the field

"I thought the mental health experts were all excellent choices, as well as varied in their topics."

"This course was very insightful. It allowed me to really think about how the community can help serve in a more effective way those that suffer from mental illness."

Features involvement of Temple Grandin

"So I had to give a 1 because I couldnt give a 0. But it's a 0 from me. Just even glancing at the course and seeing Temple Grandin's involvement has made me feel physically sick!"

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 #talkmentalillness with these activities:

Review general psychology concepts

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Familiarizing yourself with general psychology concepts will build a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Psychology

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Read an introductory psychology textbook
Review online resources
Attend a psychology lecture or workshop

Read 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk

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This book delves into the effects of trauma on the mind and body, providing a comprehensive understanding of mental illness.

View SUMMARY of the BODY KEEPS the SCORE by BESSEL... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book at your own pace
Take notes and reflect on the concepts

Connect with professionals in the field of mental health

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Reaching out to professionals can provide you with guidance and mentorship.

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Identify potential mentors
Reach out and introduce yourself
Request guidance and support

Five other activities

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Explore online mental health resources

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Learning how to use online mental health resources will supplement your learning in this course.

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Identify reputable mental health websites and organizations
Explore online support groups and forums
Utilize online therapy or counseling services

Participate in a peer support group for mental health

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Joining a peer support group can provide you with valuable insights and emotional support.

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Find a peer support group in your area
Attend meetings regularly
Share your experiences and support others

Write a blog post or article on mental illness

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Writing about mental illness can deepen your understanding of the topic and help reduce stigma.

Browse courses on Mental Illness

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Choose a specific topic related to mental illness
Research the topic thoroughly
Write a well-informed and engaging article
Share your article with others

Develop a mental health awareness campaign

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Creating a mental health awareness campaign can help you apply your knowledge and make a real-world impact.

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Identify a specific mental health issue
Develop a campaign strategy
Create and distribute campaign materials
Evaluate the impact of the campaign

Design a website or mobile app for mental health support

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Building a website or app can translate your understanding of mental illness into a tangible tool for supporting others.

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Identify the target audience and their needs
Design the user interface and user experience
Develop the website or app
Launch and promote the website or app

Career center

Learners who complete #talkmentalillness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. They typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's degree and doctorate in psychology. This course may be useful to a Psychologist by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Psychologists to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to provide culturally competent care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness. They typically need a bachelor's degree, followed by a medical degree and residency in psychiatry. This course may be useful to a Psychiatrist by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Psychiatrists to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to provide culturally competent care.

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Mental Health Counselor

In the United States, a Mental Health Counselor typically needs a master's degree in mental health counseling or a related field, as well as two years of post-master's supervised experience. This course may be useful to a Mental Health Counselor by broadening their knowledge of the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Mental Health Counselors to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to provide culturally competent care.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to cope with mental illness and other challenges. They typically need a bachelor's degree in social work, followed by a master's degree in social work. This course may be useful to a Social Worker by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Social Workers to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to provide culturally competent care.

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Therapist

Therapists help people to cope with mental illness and other challenges. They typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. This course may be useful to a Therapist by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Therapists to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to provide culturally competent care.

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Health Educator

Health Educators help people to improve their health and well-being. They typically need a bachelor's degree in health education, public health, or a related field. This course may be useful to a Health Educator by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Health Educators to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to develop and implement culturally competent health education programs.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. This course may be useful to a Journalist by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Journalists to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to report on mental health issues in a sensitive and accurate way.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They typically need a bachelor's degree, followed by a law degree and passing the bar exam. This course may be useful to a Lawyer by helping them to better understand the legal implications of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Lawyers to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to advocate for their rights.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They typically need a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. This course may be useful to a Policy Analyst by helping them to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to develop policies that address these challenges.

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Public Health Administrator

Public Health Administrators plan and implement public health programs. They typically need a bachelor's degree in public health, health administration, or a related field. This course may be useful to a Public Health Administrator by helping them to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to develop and implement culturally competent public health programs.

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Social Activist

Social Activists work to bring about social change. They typically do not need a specific educational background, but they often have a strong passion for social justice. This course may be useful to a Social Activist by helping them to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to advocate for their rights.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to college. They typically need a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. This course may be useful to a Teacher by helping them to better understand the mental health challenges faced by their students and how to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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Mental Health Advocate

Mental Health Advocates work to improve the lives of people with mental illness. They typically do not need a specific educational background, but they often have a personal or professional connection to mental illness. This course may be useful to a Mental Health Advocate by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Mental Health Advocates to better understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities and how to advocate for their rights.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. They typically need a bachelor's degree in science, followed by a master's degree and doctorate in science. This course may be useful to a Research Scientist by helping them to better understand the causes and treatments of mental illness, as well as the stigma surrounding it. The course may also help Research Scientists to develop new approaches to mental health research.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They typically need a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, followed by a doctor of pharmacy degree. This course may be useful to a Pharmacist by helping them to better understand the medications used to treat mental illness, as well as the potential side effects of these medications.

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