Mental health affects so many people today, whether you are struggling yourself or supporting loved ones who are struggling. For too long, mental health has been a taboo topic surrounded by stigma instead of understanding. Increasing your own mental health education is the first step to challenge the stigma around mental health.&nbsp;The fact is, mental health issues are incredibly common. According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics">National Institute of Mental Health</a>, one in five Americans experiences mental illness each year. And yet only about half of those impacted receive treatment.&nbsp;Why is there such a disconnect? For some it’s lack of access to care or difficulties with the system. But for many others, it comes down to lack of knowledge&nbsp; and awareness.&nbsp;When we don’t understand something, it’s easy to feel afraid or make judgments. But knowledge is powerful – it allows us to replace fear with facts. That’s why furthering our education on mental health and why supporting emotional well-being is so critically important. It has the power to improve understanding of conditions, help us recognize signs and symptoms in those we care about, and give us the tools to provide compassionate help to those struggling.<h2>Why Furthering Your Own Mental Health is Crucial</h2>Furthering mental health education allows individuals to recognize signs and symptoms that may indicate underlying conditions. It also empowers people to proactively care for their emotional well-being. It allows us to recognize the health of our own thoughts and advocate for our mental health needs.&nbsp;The ability to self-advocate stems from mental health awareness. People can learn when to seek help from professionals and how to communicate their needs effectively. No one should struggle in silence out of shame or confusion.&nbsp;Stigma still surrounds mental illness despite increasing openness. But increased education can reduce stigma at both personal and societal levels. Understanding that mental health conditions are common and treatable combats misconceptions. It fosters seeing individuals for who they are, not just a diagnosis. Community compassion grows from shared knowledge that we all endure hardship at times. But with care and support, people thrive.Below, we have outlined our favorite podcasts, courses, and people to follow. Take a look and see what resonates with you. If you are still interested in learning more, we have a whole resource page on additional mental health resources we trust here!&nbsp;<h2>Podcasts</h2>On Being – Hosted by Krista Tippett, each episode features in-depth conversations exploring philosophically and spiritually how humanity finds meaning and purpose. Guests include thinkers, scholars, artists and activists discussing topics related to ethics, religion and human experiences. The discussions provide insight into well-being, relationships, social issues and life’s deeper questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Happiness Lab – Based on Yale professor Laurie Santos’ popular class on psychology and happiness, this podcast shares scientific strategies and experiments for leading a well and meaningful life. Santos interviews researchers on findings related to relationships, habits, mindfulness, resilience and overcoming challenges. Listeners gain tangible takeaways for boosting productivity, health and overall life satisfaction.Talk Therapy – Each episode takes a deep dive into a specific psychotherapy approach or mental health issue through interviews with licensed therapists and counselors. Guests discuss their theoretical orientations and applications to cases. This podcast provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes into the therapeutic process and things to learn about mental health.&nbsp;This Jungian Life – Hosted by Jungian analyst Dr. Lindsay Curtis, this show explores Carl Jung’s theories of analytical psychology and their relevance to everyday life and culture. Through Jung’s concepts of archetypes, symbolism, dreams and individuation, Curtis illuminates how psychology can inform topics like relationships, work, creativity and spirituality. It combines and educational approach of Jung’s psychological teachings to everyday life.<h2>Ted Talks</h2>We love Ted Talks because they are informative, entertaining, and easy to access. Ally, our Head of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">Peer Support</a>, has hand picked a few of her favorite Ted Talks for you to listen to.Glen Close’s “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ted.com/talks/glenn_close_my_mission_to_change_the_narrative_of_mental_health">My Mission to Change the Narrative of Mental Health</a>”: Glen Close talks about her family’s experiences with mental health and how she is working to end the stigma around mental healthRuby Wax’s “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ted.com/talks/ruby_wax_what_s_so_funny_about_mental_illness">What’s So Funny About Mental Illness</a>”: Comedian Ruby Wax discusses what it’s like to be diagnosed with clinical depression and takes a humorous approach to challenging our notions about mental healthGus Worland’s “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ted.com/talks/gus_worland_is_someone_you_love_suffering_in_silence_here_s_what_to_do">Is Someone You Love Suffering in Silence? Here’s What to Do</a>”: Gus Worland reflects on suicide and personal grief, and explains the importance on checking in with your friends and family.Andy Dunn’s “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_dunn_lessons_from_losing_my_mind">Lessons From Losing My Mind</a>”: Andy Dunn talks about what it’s like to navigate a bipolar diagnosis and run a business. We love Andy’s storytelling and ability to connect with his audience through his experiences.&nbsp;Sangu Delle’s “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ted.com/talks/sangu_delle_there_s_no_shame_in_taking_care_of_your_mental_health">There is No Shame In Taking Care of Your Mental Health</a>”: Sangu Delle talks about the stigma around mental health for men and how it is important for men to be honest and vulnerable about how they feel.<h2>Online Courses</h2>– Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health’s “Understanding Depression” on edX: This course covers causes of mental illness, treatment and ways to support others.&nbsp;– University of Toronto “Introduction to Psychology” on Coursera – This course touches on many mental health conditions and different treatment approaches. This course is perfect for those looking for background on education and mental health.&nbsp;– Johns Hopkins “Mental Health: A Person-Centered Approach” on Coursera – Looks at recovery from mental illness and individual care. This course humanizes the mental health treatment process.– NAMI’s “Mental Health 101” online course – This course is a basic introduction to mental illnesses and demonstrates how to support loved ones.&nbsp;– MentalHealth.gov’s “Mental Health First Aid” online training – This course teaches how to help someone in crisis or distress, similarly to a Red Cross First Aid Course, but for mental health situations.– Verywell Mind’s “Understanding Anxiety Disorders” online course – This course covers different types of anxiety conditions so people can learn more about life with anxiety.All of these provide quality introductory information without cost so learners can build foundation knowledge before potentially pursuing paid certification programs.<h2>Books</h2>“The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen &amp; Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish“The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” Lisa Kendall Damour“The Explosive Child” by Ross W. Greene“The Gift of Failure” by Jessica Lahey“Untangled” by&nbsp; Lisa Kendall Damour<h2>People to Follow</h2>Esther Perel (@estherperel)- A well-known couples therapist and author who shares cultural observations about relationships, infidelity, sexuality and connection. Her insightful threads explore intimacy issues.&nbsp;Brené Brown (@BreneBrown)- A research professor and author who has pioneered studies on topics like empathy, courage, vulnerability, shame and authenticity. Her uplifting threads provide inspiration for living a full life.Dr. Dimitri Christakis (@Christakis)- A pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital whose research examines screen time impacts on children’s language development, sleep, attention and social skills.Dr. Daniel Amen (@drdanamen)- A pioneer in functional neuroimaging and founder of Amen Clinics. He shares compelling threads on brain imaging research and evidence-based strategies for optimizing brain health through lifestyle.Dr. Phil Schatz (@drphilschatz)- A clinical psychologist with expertise in anxiety disorders. His posts provide education on effective cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for managing worries, changing unhelpful habits and building resilience.&nbsp;Dr. Harold Koplewicz (@DrKoplewicz)- A leader in child and adolescent psychiatry noted for raising awareness on issues like adoption challenges, mental health of students, loneliness in teens and campus mental health support. &nbsp;Who are these for?Learning about different mental health conditions is important for everyone. For parents, learning about mental health can not only help you identify thought patterns within yourself, but also identify warning signs in your children. We have a whole article about how to talk to children about mental health- you can read it <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.peers.net/2023/12/21/breaking-the-silence-how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-mental-health/">here</a>!For those who have not experienced mental health challenges, learning more about them can help you understand what your friends or family members are going through. Empathy is such a powerful feeling- it deepens our understanding and strengthens connections with others. The first step on the road to mental health empathy is learning. By reading and engaging with this material, you are doing crucial empathy work.&nbsp;For those experiencing a mental health challenge, learning more about it may help with understanding why your mind is working the way it does. Our minds are complex, interesting, and, often, frustrating. In furthering your education on mental health, that frustration may turn into awareness.&nbsp;<h2>Lifelong Learning</h2>No matter how young or old, learning about mental health is a lifelong process. Not only will you experience different mental health conditions throughout your life, but your friends and family will too. Educating yourself on different mental health conditions will be a process you undertake time and time again, and using these resources is the first step on a beautiful, complex, and interesting road.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ally Linfoot

How to Further Your Education on Mental Health

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