Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health

Overview

In today’s world, mental illness and distress are common and these account for a significant burden of disability within our community. 

At the same time, there is a growing interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and wellbeing; particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion.  

Positive Psychiatry is a new term (Jeste et al 2016) that describes a dual approach to mental health, where we build strengths,  supports and healthy lifestyles as well as treating illness and distress.

Educational Opportunity

The Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health course offered by Coursera in partnership with The University of Sydney will feature a large number of Australian experts in psychiatry, psychology and mental health research,  and we will also hear from “lived experience experts”, people who have lived with mental illness, and share their personal stories of recovery. 

We take an evidence-based approach to a range of strategies that anyone can use to enhance their own mental health and that of others, from exercise and relaxation techniques through to the role of love, relationships and 'good' types of work. We cover topics from creativity and yoga through to psychiatric medications and psychotherapies.