💬 Module 3: Counselling & Mental Health Awareness (Level 1)

 

Purpose:
To understand mental health, common struggles (anxiety and depression), and basic awareness of counselling.
Note: This is awareness only, not full counselling training.

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1. What is Mental Health?

• Mental health is about how we think, feel, and cope with life.

• Everyone has mental health, just like physical health.

• Good mental health helps us handle stress, work, school, relationships, and everyday life.

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2. Common Struggles at Level 1

• Feeling anxious or worried

• Feeling sad or low (depression)

• Stress from work, school, or college

• Feeling lonely or overwhelmed

Tip: At Level 1, we focus on everyday mental health challenges, not complex conditions.

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3. A Simple Idea: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

• CBT helps people notice how thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected.

• At Level 1, it’s enough to know that changing thoughts can help feelings.

• You do not deliver CBT yourself — just understand the idea.

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4. Basic Counselling Awareness Skills

Remember: This is awareness only, not training to be a counsellor.

Key Skills:

1. Introduction: Say who you are and that you are there to listen.

2. Building Rapport: Make the person feel safe and comfortable.

3. Gathering Information: Ask gently about the problem.

4. Problem Solving: Support small steps, options, or coping strategies.

5. Referral: Know when to get professional help.

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5. When to Refer On

• Level 1 workers do not handle:

  • Serious mental health crises (e.g., suicidal thoughts)

  • Complex mental health conditions (e.g., borderline personality disorder)

  • Bereavement, trauma, or major life crises

• What to do:

  1. Do not try to solve it yourself.

  2. Speak to your manager, supervisor, or trained professional.

  3. Refer to the right service:

     • Anxiety or depression → GP, local mental health charity, therapist

     • Money problems → CAB (UK) / local financial support (US)

     • Bereavement → Specialist bereavement service

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✅ Especially useful for:

• Support workers

• Volunteers

• Peer supporters

• Students