This course will explore the history, diagnosis, possible causes and treatments proposed for Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder. It is an introductory level course, so no previous knowledge is assumed. We can only touch the surface but sources for further information will be provided. There will be some time for discussion and although participants are welcome to share their own experiences this is not a requirement. We shall be asking questions about the nature of health and illness; the reliability of diagnosis; alternative explanations and effectiveness of treatments available. Questions include: • When does feeling sad become having depression? • How does Bi-polar disorder differ from depression? • Can you change the way you feel by changing the way you think? • Why is Bi-polar so popular? All views are welcome, but no one view will be promoted. This course is educational rather than therapeutic.
Course aim
To examine and discuss the history, diagnosis, possible causes and treatments proposed for Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is open to all. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in mental health. It aims to be educational rather than therapeutic and is one of a series of workshops ‘Thinking about Mental Health’.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand how Depression and Bipolar are diagnosed and discuss different views regarding the value of these diagnosis.
- Become familiar with some of the different explanations for Depression & Bipolar and be able to discuss these.
- Appreciate the diversity of treatments proposed and some of the strengths and limitations of these.
- Feel more confident when talking to experts, professionals and others regarding this aspect of mental health.
- Be more prepared take part in action for positive change regarding perceptions of abnormality in society.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- The tutor will introduce key concepts which we will discuss as a group. There will be an opportunity to share personal experiences where relevant but this is not an expectation nor is a requirement.
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
- Bring yourself and an open mind.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No previous knowledge, reading or experience is required.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
- This is one of a series of workshops ‘Thinking about Mental Health’. Other courses available are on Schizophrenia, Anxiety Disorders (incl. Phobias, OCD, PTSD) and different approaches to Mental Health.
Download full Course information sheet
