In today’s fast-paced world, students face unique challenges that can affect their well-being. From daily hassles like juggling homework and extracurricular activities to the mounting pressure to excel academically, stress has become a constant companion for many. Add to this the lingering effects of Covid-19 – such as disrupted routines, isolation and uncertainty – and the growing influence of social media, which often fuels comparison and self-doubt. These factors, among others, highlight why understanding, promoting, and prioritizing mental health is more important than ever.
In this course, we will explore the foundations of mental health and discuss ways to build and improve resilience. You will learn about the signs and causes of stress and burnout and discover effective strategies for managing and preventing them. You will also gain valuable knowledge about health promotion to prevent illness and improve overall well-being. Additionally, we will dive into the relatively young and exciting branch of Positive Psychology, which studies what contributes to people’s happiness and well-being by focusing on individual’s strengths and positive traits – simply put, it’s about “flourishing” in life. As part of this, you will explore key concepts such as mindfulness, gratitude, and flow.
This hands-on approach will provide you with a foundational understanding of mental health and equip you with practical tools to build resilience, improve well-being, and effectively navigate life’s challenges.
Learning objectives:
After this course students can…
• understand the foundations of mental health and its impact on our overall well-being.
• understand and develop skills to strengthen resilience.
• identify causes and signs of stress and burnout and apply effective strategies to manage and prevent them.
• apply practical knowledge and techniques to enhance mental health and well-being.
• understand key concepts from Positive Psychology and use them to improve happiness and well-being.
Forms of assessment:
participation,
student work (workshop tasks, writing assignments, …),
presentations
