#WeAreTogether: 10,000 learners join Covid-19 course on low mood and depression
18 May 2020
More than 10,000 young people and their parents and supporters have joined together online to learn about low mood and depression from experts at the University of Reading.
In partnership with FutureLearn, experts from the Anxiety and Depression in Young People (AnDY) Research Clinic have developed a two week online course to provide practical help and expert understanding about young people who may be experiencing low mood and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Faith Orchard, a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Reading said:
"We are all having to adapt to a different way of living, but we know that some young people are particularly vulnerable to some of the negative thoughts and feelings associated with these challenging times.
“This course is aimed not only for young people and their parents and supporters to have a better understanding of their feelings and their mood, but also will give theoretical perspectives on low mood and depression and can be beneficial for anyone with an interest in the topic.”
Dr Monika Parkinson, a Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist at the University of Reading said:
“Positive peer and family relationships as well as valued activities are an important part of young people's well-being and the current situation may be putting a strain on all of these areas. This course will provide evidence-based information, advice and tips on how young people can cope with low mood and depression and find opportunities to build new coping skills and resilience.”
The course provides guidance on:
- Structuring the day and promoting healthy habits
- Positive family communication and getting along
- Self-care and the importance of modelling behaviour
- Managing your thoughts and feelings
- Using the time as a chance to help develop resilience
The course launched on Monday 4th May, will future enrolments of the course will run on FutureLearn for anyone around the world with an internet connection.
Nicky McGirr, Online Courses Programme Manager says:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Monika and Faith to provide this much needed resource. Reaching out to communities around the world, we hope this authoritative, accessible course will also provide learners with an opportunity to share encouragement, and for many young people, their families and supporters to benefit from this online community.”
Find out more about all of the open online courses that the University of Reading offers at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/further-learning/online-courses.aspx
About FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform formed in December 2012 by The Open University and is now jointly owned by The Open University and The SEEK Group. FutureLearn has nearly ten million people signed up worldwide. FutureLearn uses design, technology and partnerships to create enjoyable, credible and flexible online courses as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that improve working lives. It partners with over a quarter of the world’s top universities, as well as organisations such as Accenture, the British Council, CIPD, Raspberry Pi and Health Education England (HEE). It’s also involved in government-backed initiatives to address skills gaps such as The Institute of Coding and the National Centre for Computing Education.