Course Description

'Talk to Me': Improving Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Young Adults is a course developed in collaboration between German and Australian entities to address the mental health challenges prevalent among young people. It is structured to equip parents, teachers, health professionals, and other responsible individuals with practical skills and understanding needed to handle mental health issues effectively.

This course is especially beneficial as it extends beyond the basic understanding provided in similar modules by including content tailored specifically for those in frequent contact with young people, thus broadening its impact and utility.

Key Learnings

• Understanding of what mental health is, and the effects of stress on it.
• Identification and comprehension of factors contributing to suicide and poor mental health.
• Effective strategies to enhance mental fitness.
• Insight into self-harm as a coping mechanism.
• Ability to recognize signs of a mental health crisis and suicidality.
• Guidance on how to approach and converse with individuals at risk of suicide.

No specific prerequisites are required for this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in improving their understanding and skills in managing mental health issues, particularly those involving young adults.

Subjects Covered

• Mental Fitness: Understanding mental health and factors affecting it.
• Strategies to Increase Mental Fitness: Techniques to manage negative thoughts and stress.
• Non-suicical Self-harm: Understanding and managing coping strategies such as NSSI.
• Suicidal Behaviours in Young Adults: Strategies to recognize and effectively intervene.
• Gatekeeper Interventions: Advanced strategies for those in key positions to help manage mental health crises.

This course is suitable for parents, educators, health professionals, and anyone in a role that provides oversight or caregiving to young adults. It offers valuable insights and tools for effectively addressing mental health issues that are common in this demographic.

Skills from this course can be applied in personal and professional contexts to better manage mental health situations, provide support and appropriate interventions, and improve overall mental wellness in communities.

Modules Included:

1. Mental Fitness: Fundamentals of mental health and its influencing factors.
2. Strategies to increase mental fitness: Insights into controlling worry and stress.
3. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): Understanding self-harm beyond its stereotypes.
4. Suicidal Behaviour in Young Adults: Identifying and addressing risk.
5. Interventions: Applying preventive measures and emergency responses in crisis.
6. Gatekeeper Interventions: Approaches for those responsible for young adults to handle and prevent crises.