Are you aware of this free life skills course?

A recent national survey from Aware revealed that almost three-quarters of people (74%) have taken action to support their mental health. This is the good news, considering as many as 3 in 5 respondents reported that they had experienced depression, and 4 in 5 had experienced anxiety.

There are lots of things you can do to look after your mental health, whether that’s confiding in someone, making lifestyle changes, attending counselling, visiting a GP, or taking on medication. Aware, which provides free support for people experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, even has its own courses that can help.

Aware’s Life Skills Programme, for example, is available both in-person and online. Through group sessions developed by cognitive behaviour therapy specialist Dr Chris Williams, participants learn how to understand their feelings, change unhelpful thinking patterns, build their confidence, and take practical steps to solving problems. The goal is for you to leave the programme with the skills you need to build a healthier, happier life.

And it’s good to get help in this area because, often, we know the changes we need to make but still need an extra push in accomplishing them. For example, in Aware’s survey, 44% of respondents believed that social media contributed to or exacerbated their stress, but almost the same amount (48%) said that feeling depressed or anxious leads them to use social media more, creating an unhealthy cycle. Many people want to break that cycle, though, with more than one-quarter (26%) saying they plan to reduce their social media use in the coming year.

“While it’s certainly worrying to see so many people reporting experience of depression and anxiety, it is encouraging that a majority are taking action, seeking out supports and taking a proactive approach to managing their mental health,” says Dr Susan Brannick, clinical director at Aware.

“Despite this, there are still too many people suffering in silence. I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be experiencing depression to reach out, talk to your GP or contact a service like Aware. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone in this and supports are available.”

Aware’s Life Skills Programme is designed to be user-friendly and welcoming. Lessons are delivered in a participative learning environment and, while there are opportunities to discuss the topics raised, no one will be put on the spot to share information. It’s delivered through weekly 90-minute sessions over the course of six weeks. The next programme commences the week beginning 8 April, so make sure to book your spot as places are limited.

Taking action on your mental health can be rewarding in the life-changing kind of way. If you need someone to talk to, Aware’s support line on freephone 1800 80 48 48 is open from 10am to 10pm, all year-round.

Check out our resources page for more available supports.