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Youth Mental Health: Helping Young People with Anxiety

Get an introduction to managing anxiety disorders in teenagers, with a course ideal for teachers and healthcare professionals.

20,484 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Learn how to identify and help with anxiety in young people

Anxiety is a common condition experienced by young people that can escalate to a point where it impacts on their general wellbeing and activities of daily living; brain development and performance at school or college. If untreated the risk of developing chronic and enduring mental health conditions increases, as well as the risks of deliberate self harm and suicide.

On this course you will learn how to identify anxiety disorders experienced by young people, understand ‘stigma’ related to mental health and develop your ability to help a young person experiencing debilitating anxiety

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to course and characteristics and causes of adolescent anxiety

    • Introduction to the course

      In the introductory steps of the course we will introduce the educators and give you the opportunity to let us and the other learners know what you want to get out of the course.

    • The characteristics of anxiety

      In this section we will look at some of the emotions and the physical sensations associated with anxiety.

    • Adolescent development

      In the following steps we will explore the complex world of adolescent development.

  • Week 2

    Anxiety as a biopsychosocial condition

    • Anxiety as a biological response / toxic stress

      In this first activity of the week we will look at how anxiety is used as a natural biological response and find out what we mean by toxic stress.

    • Other linked mental health conditions

      In the next few steps we will discuss some of the other common mental health conditions that may be present with anxiety.

    • Stigma and mental illness

      In this final step activity of the week we will look at some resources focusing on the stigma associated with mental health.

  • Week 3

    Assisting a young person experiencing abnormal anxiety states

    • Engaging with young people / safeguarding

      In this final week we will start by looking at ways of engaging with young people.

    • Ways of helping the young person with anxiety

      In this section we will look at ways of helping young people with anxiety, and review a case study.

    • Mindfulness

      In the following steps we will introduce some practical mindfulness exercises and resources.

    • End of course summary

      In this final activity of the week, we will summarise and assess the topics covered in the course.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify anxiety disorders commonly experienced by adolescents
  • Describe the aetiology (causes) of anxiety in young people
  • Explain what ‘stigma’ is in relation to mental illness generally
  • Identify between normal and abnormal anxiety states
  • Explain how to assist a young person experiencing abnormal anxiety states

Who is the course for?

This course is for health professionals and teachers without specialist training in this area, it doesn’t require any prior experience or knowledge. It’s suitable for professionals doing continuous professional development.

Who developed the course?

UEA (University of East Anglia)

The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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