Free Mental Health Online Classes Best For Seniors
Are you a retired senior struggling to find things to do to help fill up more of your free time? Do you just enjoy learning new skills? Are you interested in soaking up knowledge? Then a free online course, particularly regarding a specific area of mental health, is a fantastic choice.
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One of the best parts about free online mental health courses, like many other courses available online, is that you can usually do it at your own pace and fit it comfortably into your schedule. Plus, most of them offer a certificate or diploma and don’t take very long to complete. This means that you can dedicate your study time for anytime of the day, morning, noon or evening. The choice is yours.
More Reasons These Courses Are Beneficial
You may be asking yourself- Why a free mental health course, of all topics that you can find out there? Apart from how fascinating mental health can be in general, it is also an opportunity to learn how you can treat and improve your own overall mental health and that of your loved ones, such as your spouse, child, grandchild or close friend.
Another good reason to take up a free online course about mental health- As a senior, learning about mental health disorders can also teach you how to reduce your chances of developing degenerative mental illnesses that are common in the senior community, such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s, and how to better understand a friend or relative who has this difficult condition. Furthermore, mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and phobias are very common, especially amongst seniors. There are many reasons for this, which are all covered in the course modules.
These disorders vary greatly in type and severity. Because of their complexity and how difficult they can be, studying and becoming more aware of the known mental health issues and disorders is always a good idea.
It’s important to keep in mind that, while these courses are all online and free of any enrollment charge, there may be a deadline, and you may be required to pay a fee if you wish to obtain the diploma/certificate after completion. But the good news is, the fees are usually within a reasonable price range and totally worth every penny.
Listed below are some of the best free online mental health courses suited for seniors.
Alison Course- Diploma In Depression
In this free online course from Alison, you will learn about the various causes and symptoms of depression. You will also study the different types/variations of depression, and the many misconceptions surrounding this disorder.
Furthermore, you will be given guidance and techniques regarding how to help a loved one suffering from depression. This course will help you to identify triggers, find coping strategies and make lifestyle changes for you or a loved one, who is suffering from depression. Lastly, you will discover how much easier, healthier, sweeter and happier life is after you finally conquer your inner demons and take control of your negative thoughts and emotions.
Average duration: 10-15 hours
Accreditation provided by: CPD
Alison Course- Dementia Care
This is another great course from Alison, which teaches proper dementia care. Dementia refers to a wide spectrum of brain disorders that involve difficulty with memory, behavior and the ability to think with reason and logic. This course will help you recognize and understand dementia. It will introduce you to the main symptoms and treatments of both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You will also learn about the guidelines for choosing activities that are helpful and stimulating for those with dementia.
Average duration: 1.5-3 hours
Accreditation provided by: CPD
Coursera Course- Mindfulness and Well-Being
This course will provide you with a broad overview of the fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of mindfulness. With interactive exercises to help students explore their own attitudes, mental habits and behaviors, this course offers a pathway for living with more freedom, authenticity and ease. Featured components of the course include experiential exercises, guided meditations, personal reflection and interactive discussions.
Average duration: Approx. 20 hours
Accreditation provided by: Rice University
Coursera Course- Psychological First Aid
In this immersive and very practical course, you will learn how to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition.
The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, such as the workplace, the military, faith-based organizations, mass disaster venues, etc. It also prepares you for the demands of more commonplace traumas and occurrences, such as dealing with the psychological aftermath of accidents, robberies, suicide, homicide, or community violence.
Average duration: approx. 6 hours
Accreditation provided by: John’s Hopkins University
Coursera- Introduction to Psychology
What are people most afraid of? What do our dreams mean? Are we natural-born racists? What makes us happy? What are the causes and cures of mental illness?
This course attempts to answer these questions and many others, providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behavior. It explores topics such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behavior.
Final Thoughts
No matter what age group you may be, good and strong mental health is vital for every aspect of our lives. Therefore, gaining skills and techniques in healing yourself or others is very useful.
If a loved one or someone you know is suffering from any kind of mental health disorder that’s getting worse, please remember that there is always hope from people who care, and that help is available. Call a licensed and trusted mental healthcare professional right away.
