Online Educational Programs for Mental Health
Mental illness affects nearly one in five adults, and the stigma surrounding mental health makes it even harder for those who need help to get it. Fortunately, online education gives people access to knowledge no matter where they live or how much free time they have. These best online mental health programs are a great way to learn about mental illnesses, their symptoms, and how to recover if you or someone you know is dealing with a crisis.
These courses will help you develop a strong understanding of the importance of mental wellness while also providing valuable information on how to recognize the warning signs of an impending crisis and what to do if someone you know is showing early signs of depression or another type of mental illness, just like when you catch diabetes on the early stage is can be treated or your doctor can explain how type 2 diabetes can be reversed just because of early diagnosis.
What is a Mental Health Program?
A mental health program can be either a short course or a degree program. Some of the main topics that you might learn are signs of mental illness, how to help someone who is suffering, and how to seek help if you need it. Mental health programs can also be helpful to people who work in the mental health field and want to stay updated on the latest research.
Mental health programs are useful for many different people, but they aren’t the same as mental health therapy. Some online mental health programs do include a section on therapy, but the main focus is on the facts and information related to mental illness for example you want to lose weight and instead of going to a dietician you get an online weight loss diet chart. If you want to learn how to help yourself or someone else through therapy, you might want to look into online therapy programs instead.
Mental Health Counseling Certificate Course
This mental health counseling course from Walden University is designed for people who want to become a licensed mental health counselor. It takes about two years to complete on a part-time basis and includes both online and campus-based learning. The coursework starts out with an introduction to the field before diving into psychology concepts, theories, and research.
Students will also study ethics and cultural considerations, as well as their own personal issues and the ways in which these affect their work. The course culminates in a supervised field experience where students will apply their skills in a real-world setting. This course is accredited by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Walden also has a variety of other online counseling programs that are not designed to lead to licensure.
Mental Health First Aid Certification Course
This online mental health first aid course from Mental Health First Aid USA teaches people how to recognize when someone may be suffering from a mental health condition and how to help them get the proper treatment. The course covers signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses, as well as substance use disorders.
It also discusses how to create a safe environment for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This is a good course for anyone who wants to understand more about mental health but does not want to become a therapist. The certificate for this course is recognized by employers, schools, and other organizations, so it’s a great credential to add to your resume.
Depression and Anxiety Online Course
This course from Anna Marie University focuses on treating depression and anxiety. It’s a good option for people who are interested in the mental health field but don’t want to become a licensed mental health professional. This course is also a great option for people who want to understand their own struggles with mental health better.
This course is designed to help students understand their own triggers, as well as how to manage their symptoms and create a healthy lifestyle. It has interactive exercises and other activities that make it more engaging than many online courses. The course is self-paced, so you can work through it at your own speed.
It also comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk. This depression and anxiety online course is also accredited by the International Board of Clinical Specialists.
Bipolar Disorder Counseling Course
This online bipolar disorder counseling course from GRACE University teaches students how to help people with bipolar disorder. This course also teaches students about their own triggers, so they can better manage their own bipolar disorder. The course features video lectures, a library of course materials, and a forum where students can discuss the course content with others.
It’s a good option for people who are interested in the mental health field but don’t want to become a licensed mental health professional. This online bipolar disorder counseling course is also accredited by the International Board of Clinical Specialists.
Conclusion
Mental health is a crucial component of overall health. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the importance of mental health until they or someone they know is in crisis. Online mental health programs are a great way to learn more about mental health and the signs and symptoms of mental illness. These programs also provide essential information about how to help someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Cold Weather and Arthritis | 5 Tips for Preventing Pain
Are painful arthritis flare-ups keeping you from doing the things you enjoy during the winter? Unfortunately, cold, damp weather and inactivity can both contribute to joint stiffness and discomfort. If this sounds all too familiar to you, don’t miss these quick tips for preventing arthritis pain in cold weather:
Keep Moving
While it might seem more pertinent to hunker down under a warm blanket at home during cold days, it is widely known that physical activity plays a key role in keeping joints loose and mobilized. Find a way to exercise each day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes at a time. Try going for a walk, practicing yoga, swimming, biking, or even simply exercising at home with a stability ball and resistance bands.
Wear Layers
Heavy winter clothes may feel great at first, but they can quickly increase your body temperature and actually leave you sweating underneath them. When that moisture on your body mixes with cool air, you have a recipe for freezing and making your joint pain worse. Opt instead to wear multiple light, breathable layers of clothing when heading out on cold days and always cover vulnerable joints with gloves and other accessories to keep them warm.
Update Your Arthritis Toolbox
Invest in basic tools that simplify daily tasks that can become more difficult during arthritis flare-ups. For example, a soft, wide handle grip that you slide over utensils like a fork or toothbrush can make it easier to eat and brush your teeth when your hands are sore and stiff. Tools like jar openers, reacher grabbers, button hooks, and dressing sticks can help too.
Get a Massage
Massage therapy has long been touted as an effective method for managing arthritis symptoms and for good reason. Massage can loosen tight muscles that are constricting joint motion and it can boost blood circulation and trigger the brain to release feel-good hormones. You can turn the heat up on a professional massage too with warm oils, hot towels, and even hot stones.
Eat Warm Foods
Oftentimes the foods that are promoted to help relieve inflammation are also those that generate thermogenic (temperature increasing) properties in the body. Ginger, cayenne, and turmeric, for example, have been shown to help relax and expand blood vessels for improved blood flow that benefits arthritic joints. Try them in a warming winter tea or soup.
Guest Blog: How to Move Forward After Losing Your Job to COVID-19
You can find this article and many other useful resources on the Senior Care Central website.
While the country has recovered just over half of all the 22 million jobs lost during the initial coronavirus outbreak, millions of people are still struggling to find work in the wake of permanent business closures. If this scenario hits home and you continue searching for your next full-time position, you must find ways to make ends meet.
Advance Your Education
If you’re feeling limited by your job options, expand your skill set by going back to school. Earning a degree will open the door to more career opportunities and higher pay, and can be a great investment in your future. For example, if you want to pursue a career in the tech industry, give yourself a head start with a degree in IT management. A couple of other possibilities include nursing or business. Earning your degree from an online school like WGU is ideal if you’re also working a part-time job!
Protect Your Financial Health
When money is tight, it’s important to reevaluate your spending. Ensure you have what you need to pay the bills and keep a roof overhead, even if it means cutting out nonessential luxuries like cable and takeout. If debt is a problem, stop using credit cards and go cash-only for now. You could also consolidate your debt onto a low-interest line of credit or a new credit card with a promotional rate.
Get a Part-Time Job
Need money right now? Get a part-time job! A temporary job may not be able to match the income of your previous position, but it will help you make ends meet while you continue your search. According to Fast Company, there are plenty of industries that require part-time workers right now, including grocery stores and delivery services.
Try Freelancing
Another way to earn money during the pandemic is to look for remote opportunities online. Selling your skills through freelance work is an excellent way to do this! You can freelance in nearly any industry, including accounting, writing, marketing, project management, and data entry.
The pandemic is tough for everyone, but for those who are still out of work, things may be looking especially bleak. Keep moving forward, whether it means going back to school, landing a part-time job, or starting a freelance career.