This article looks at the types of mental health problems and the importance of specialist intervention. Causes of mental health problems are explored and what steps can be taken to refresh your mind. Towards the end of this article, we will recommend our top five courses related to mental health.
“Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel and act and affects our ability to cope with stress, interact with others and make healthy choices. It is a state of well-being where individuals can realise their potential, cope with normal life, work productively and contribute to their community”. AI Overview. (2025)
Howell (2021) believes: “You are never alone. You are in control of your mental health, and you can make a change. No matter how dark it may get, if I can do it, so can you. You will get through this night”.
Mental Health
There are many types of Mental Health problems. This article aims to explore what events can cause the problems and what steps can be taken to refresh your mind and cope with difficult situations.
1:4 will experience Mental Health problems each year which is equivalent to 14 million people in the United Kingdom. Mind (2019).
Mind (2025) highlights the following Mental Health Problems and believes specialist intervention may sometimes be needed to understand why you may be feeling out of control and unable to cope:
- Anger
- Anxiety / panic attacks
- Bipolar disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Depression
- Dissociation and dissociative disorder
- Eating problems
- Hearing voices
- Hoarding
- Hypomania and mania
- Loneliness
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Paranoia
- Post-natal depression
- Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Pre-menstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD)
- Psychosis
- Reactional drugs / alcohol / addiction
- Schizophrenia
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Self-esteem. Self-harm
- Sleep problems
- Stress
- Suicidal
- Trauma
- Tardive dyskinesia.
What Can Trigger Mental Health Issues?
There are many life events which may trigger mental health issues and make you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. Work and family life can sometimes be stressful, and bereavement can make you feel alone and overwhelmed at the thought of having to cope without support from a loved one. Other causes of mental health problems include:
- Child abuse / neglect
- Social isolation / loneliness
- Discrimination
- Poverty / debt
- Bereavement
- Long term stress
- Long term physical health conditions.
These situations can also lead to physical problems, so it is important to be aware of your general health. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking can help someone’s overall mental health. Also aiming to improve daily exercise, relaxation and sleep. Life events can sometimes be overwhelming, and it may be necessary to, get specialist advice and support to talk about what is going on in your mind and how to plan your journey to improve wellbeing.
Discussing Mental Health Issues
Talking to someone you trust will help you understand the situation and get ideas how to approach the future. Howell (2021) refers to: being open minded, fair to yourself, be proud and to be brave. Breathing will help relieve tension, feel grounded and aim to relax. Enjoy being calm, relaxed and connection to family, friends and community. Mindfulness which is based on Zen Buddhist techniques may help with stress, depression and pain and boosts creativity, memory and concentration. Allow thoughts to arise – let them be there but focus on the world around us or our breathing. Separate worry and thoughts and allow our mind to be at peace. This trains our minds to be open and curious not self-criticising or feeling bad – let worry and anxiety go and free your mind.
The need to talk and be listened to “can be a tether to reality and a literal lifeline.”
The main goals include:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time framed.
Be specific by understanding what the problem is and how is it affecting you, Measurable is what can be done to sort out this problem and is it achievable? Sometimes the mind wonders off what the real reason is so it is important to understand if relevant and allow a time frame to sort things out by either seeking support from a professional or someone you trust. Some believe mental health can have problems with communication between neurons in the brain and may require medication such as neurotransmitters due to lower serotonin levels in patients with depression. Cognitive behaviour therapy may also be considered.
The 5 C’s of Mental Health
The 5 C ‘s of Mental Health include:
- Connection
- Coping
- Calmness
- Care
- Compassion.
Community groups can play an important role to involve and support those who are struggling: swimming, exercise, learning new skills, voluntary work, group activities, daily walks and organised events. Maslow’s (1943,1954) hierarchy of human needs include five levels:
- Physiological Needs – for survival, food, water, shelter and sleep
- Safety Needs – personal safety, financial security, and protection from accidents
- Love and belonging Needs – friendship, intimacy, family, and connection.
- Esteem Needs – respect, self-esteem, recognition and status
- Self-Actualisation – reach one’s potential, creativity, personal growth and fulfilment.
However, these needs have been expanded to include aesthetic needs and transcendence needs. Aesthetic needs harmony in life, sense of beauty order and elegance. Transcendence needs represent human desire to connect with a higher reality, purpose or the universe – service to others, pursuit of science or religious faith.
Finding the right help for each individual
There is a lot of research and discussion regarding physical health and well-being, but mental health is just as important. With many causes disrupting a sense of well-being, specialised help is sometimes needed. There are many organisations to consider such as General Practitioner, Samaritans, Citizen’s Advice Centre, MIND. However, there are life events which will need acceptance such as loss of a loved one – allowing time to grieve, remembering the good times and appreciate what you have is difficult but with the right support it is important to remember life is precious and joining community groups may be helpful by making new friends and memories.
Mental Health and the Community
Activities in the Community can be a lifeline to those who are alone or need to boost their self-esteem. The local library is a good place to start and see what activities are available in your local area.: Tai-chi, Yoga, swimming, tennis, bowls, chess, knitting, board games. New interests will boost self-esteem and meet people who may be experiencing similar problems.
Physical Care and Mental Health
Physical care includes good nutrition, sleep, relaxation and exercise. Wellbeing tips, mental health issues, life challenges, deal with anxiety and stress to feel more in control is essential to work through what the problem is and work towards a positive frame of mind. A Five Question Quiz is a good place to start to improve your mental health with a Mind Plan. However, this does not replace professional advice if necessary. Spiritual care will recognise other faiths and aim to be peacemakers in all religions. Local churches encourage people to attend, be involved in activities and attend coffee mornings. Faith is what is needed in times of sadness and can give strength to those who are struggling.
Mental Health and the Government
Government policies need to consider Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs – social, political, economic, cultural issues, must encourage incentives to fulfil potential, live in a safe environment, consider family life and be fair to those who work to help others. Education in schools is important to introduce human needs to the younger generation – kindness, compassion, empathy, values which will improve psychological well-being and improve a positive mind-set for the future. Support networks are a lifeline to many, and Government funding must consider this to enable those in crisis to cope and be a healthy member in society.
Professional intervention may be helpful to help manage challenging times, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help to recognise thoughts and emotions and ways to approach in a positive mind set:
“Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured goal-orientated type of therapy that helps people manage problems by changing unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. It teaches practical, self-help skills to challenge negative thinking, improve mood, and alter actions, making it effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD., as well as for managing stress, chronic pain, and insomnia. CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviour are interconnected and can create cycles of distress.”
AI Overview (2025)
There will always be life challenges which may affect mental health. Positive life quotes encourage a positive approach to a fulfilling life Ralph Waldo Emerson believes:
‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you”.
Top five Mental Health Courses for 2026
If you are looking to complete a course in Mental Health, Learn Now Distance Learning College can offer a range of choices. Below we list our top five courses for 2026.
Mental Health Awareness Certificate Level 2 RQF course
For a general overview in Mental Health, this course is a great starting point. It will give you an insight into conditions such as bipolar, schizophrenia and dementia but you will also cover stress, anxiety and depression. The course leads to an official RQF qualification and carries 13 credits.
Understanding Mental Health Care Certificate Level 3 RQF course
For a more in-depth course, the Understanding Mental Health Level 3 Certificate is for you. This course will cover the principles for implementing duty of care in health, social care or children and young people’s settings. You will also cover mental health interventions. Again, this course leads to a full RQF qualification but it will be at Level 3. It carries 20 credits but also has the added bonus of 8 UCAS points which can be used to contribute to University applications.
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health course
This course is perfect if you have a career in mind where you will want to work with children or young people. The awarding body is NCFE and the qualification is CACHE Level 2.
Principles of Mental Health Nursing Level 3 QLS course
Whilst nursing, it is more important than ever to help patients with their mental health. If you find this particular area of expertise rewarding, you could consider becoming a mental health nurse with the relevant training. You could help support someone’s recovery and live an independent and fulfilling life by establishing a trustful relationship. The course provides a QLS Level 3 Certificate.
Counselling Level 3 QLS course
Counsellors provide valuable support by creating a safe space for individuals to discuss mental health concerns. They can also help an individual develop coping skills and strategies to help manage conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress. The Counselling Level 3 course will teach you skills and approaches along with behavioural approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The course is approved by the ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists). Therefore on completion, learners will be able to join and become a member of the ACCPH.
