Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Overview

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ABOUT THE COURSE:The course provides practical exercises, mindfulness techniques, and skill-building modules focused on conflict resolution, time management, and goal setting, tailored for students navigating the challenges of college life. Led by IIT Kanpur’s Head, Counseling Service and Clinical Psychologists, it offers tools to manage stress, anxiety, and personal growth, accessible for free with optional certification at a nominal fee. This initiative promotes mental health awareness and support, meeting the rising needs of today's students in a holistic, practical manner.INTENDED AUDIENCE: Undergraduate/Postgraduate StudentsINDUSTRY SUPPORT: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Syllabus

Week 1: Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

1. Importance of Mental and Emotional Health during Adolescence

Understanding mental health
Emotional fluctuations during adolescence
The need for mental health awareness
Identity Formation and Social Pressure
Impact of Academic Pressure
Need for Mental Health Awareness
Role of Support Systems

2. The Role of Social Support and Relationships in Promoting Well-being

The impact of family, friends, and mentors
Building healthy relationships
Role of empathy and emotional intelligence
Influence of Friends and Peer Relationships
Role of Mentors and Guidance
Building Healthy Relationships
Support Networks in Crisis Situations

3. Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Common stressors during college life
Practical stress management techniques
Mind-body connection
Physical Activity
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Social Support and Communication

4. The Impact of Technology and Social Media on Adolescent Well-being

Understanding digital fatigue and addiction
The effects of social media on mental health
Managing time and digital consumption
Digital Fatigue and Overstimulation
Social Comparison and Self-esteem
Cyberbullying and Its Consequences
Digital Detox and Time Management

5. The Importance of Self-care and Self-compassion

What is self-compassion?
Physical, emotional, and social aspects of self-care
Building routines for mental health
Mindfulness and Self-awareness
Managing Stress through Self-care Practices
The Role of Boundaries in Self-care
Nurturing Positive Self-talk and Acceptance

Week 2:Module 2: Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms

6. Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Identifying unhealthy vs. healthy coping strategies
Practical exercises for healthier habits
Developing Problem-solving Skills
Incorporating Relaxation Techniques
Seeking Social Support and Connection
Practicing Emotional Regulation

7. Navigating Peer Pressure and Relationships

Understanding peer pressure and its consequences
Assertiveness and boundary-setting skills
Recognizing Negative vs. Positive Peer Influence
Building Self-confidence and Personal Values
Developing Critical Thinking and Decision-making Skills
Seeking Support from Trusted Adults and Mentors

8. Addressing Issues Related to Body Image and Self-esteem

Factors affecting body image in adolescence
Media and societal influence on body image
Cultivating positive self-esteem
The Role of Family Dynamics in Body Image
Impact of Social Media on Self-perception
Promoting Body Positivity and Acceptance
Engaging in Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Well-being

9. Mindfulness for Mental Well-being

Introduction to mindfulness
Practical mindfulness exercises
Benefits of living in the present
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life
Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
The Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Focus and Concentration

10. Communication Skills for Mental Well-being

Importance of communication in mental health
Developing active listening and assertiveness
Nonverbal Communication and Its Impact
Empathy and Understanding in Conversations
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Building Trust and Rapport Through Communication

Week 3:Module 3: Life Skills for Transition and Resilience

11. Conflict Resolution Skills

Types of conflicts
Steps to resolving conflicts peacefully
Dealing with emotional disagreements
Effective Communication in Conflict Resolution
The Role of Mediation and Third Parties
Understanding Different Perspectives
Developing Compromise and Negotiation Skills

12. Building Resilience During the Transition from High School to College

What is resilience?
Factors that build resilience
Dealing with change and adversity
The Role of Support Systems in Resilience
Developing a Growth Mindset
Coping Strategies for Academic Challenges
Setting Goals and Maintaining Motivation

13. Time Management and Goal Setting

Prioritizing academic, social, and personal goals
Developing a balanced routine
SMART Goals Framework
Techniques for Effective Time Blocking
Overcoming Procrastination
Evaluating Progress and Adjusting Goals

14. Emotional Regulation and Understanding Emotions

The science of emotions
Tools for emotional regulation
Handling strong emotions
The Role of Emotional Awareness
Cognitive Reappraisal Techniques
Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
The Impact of Social Support on Emotional Well-being

15. The Role of Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Mental Well-being

Importance of holistic health
How diet and sleep affect the mind
The Impact of Physical Activity on Mood and Stress
Nutritional Deficiencies and Mental Health
Sleep Hygiene Practices for Better Rest
The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Well-being

Week 4:Module 4: Advanced Skills for Mental Health

16. Dealing with Academic Pressure

Handling expectations from peers, parents, and self
Strategies for tackling academic stress
Developing Effective Study Habits
Time Management Techniques for Academic Success
The Importance of Self-compassion in Academic Pursuits
Utilizing Campus Resources for Support

17. Navigating CareerAnxiety

Identifying career concerns
Reducing anxiety related to career choices
The Importance of Career Exploration and Research
Developing a Career Action Plan
Building Networking Skills and Professional Relationships
Seeking Guidance from Career Counselors and Mentors

18. Introduction to Therapy and Counseling

Benefits of therapy
When and how to seek professional help
Different Types of Therapy Approaches
The Role of the Therapist in the Counseling Process
Common Misconceptions About Therapy
Building a Therapeutic Relationship

19. Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

Understanding emotional intelligence (EQ)
How EQ helps in leadership and career
The Components of Emotional Intelligence
Building Trust and Rapport as a Leader
Empathy and Its Role in Effective Leadership
Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills for Career Advancement

20. Social Responsibility and Mental Well-being

How to foster well-being in your community
Mental health advocacy and outreach
The Impact of Community Engagement on Mental Health
Creating Supportive Environments for Vulnerable Populations
Promoting Mental Health Education and Awareness
Collaborating with Local Organizations for Mental Health Initiatives

Week 5:Module 5: Advanced Emotional Skills and Boundaries

21. Emotional Validation and Ventilation

Understanding emotional validation
The importance of emotional expression and ventilation
Practical exercises to validate your own and others' emotions
The Role of Active Listening in Emotional Validation
Recognizing and Naming Emotions
The Impact of Emotional Suppression on Mental Health
Building Empathy Through Emotional Sharing

22. Setting Boundaries in Relationships

Types of boundaries: emotional, physical, and mental
How to set and communicate healthy boundaries
Importance of boundaries for mental health
Recognizing Boundary Violations
The Role of Assertiveness in Boundary Setting
Cultural Differences in Boundaries
Practicing Self-Care and Respecting Others’ Boundaries

23. Managing Emotional Overwhelm and Stress

Techniques to regulate overwhelming emotions
Recognizing emotional triggers and patterns
Mindfulness and grounding practices for emotional control
Building Emotional Resilience
Healthy Boundaries for Emotional Well-being.
Expressive Techniques for Emotional Release.

24. Navigating Conflict with Emotional Intelligence

Understanding the emotional roots of conflict
Strategies for managing difficult conversations
Transforming conflict into opportunities for growth
Active Listening in Conflict Resolution
De-escalation Techniques
Collaborative Problem-Solving

25. Fostering Emotional Resilience

Building inner strength to handle challenges
Cultivating positive emotions and self-compassion
The role of optimism and gratitude in resilience-building
Adaptive Coping Mechanisms
Overcoming Setbacks with Emotional Agility
Social Support and Resilience

Week 6:Module 6: Creative Expression for Mental Well-being

26. The Role of Creative Arts (Painting and Music) in Mental Health

How creative activities promote emotional expression
Benefits of art and music therapy for stress and anxiety relief
Hands-on activities for self-expression through art and music
The Therapeutic Effects of Music on Mood Regulation
Art as a Tool for Trauma Processing
Community Building Through Group Art and Music Activities
Incorporating Creative Arts into Daily Routines for Mental Well-being

27. Managing Exam Anxiety

Understanding exam stress and its psychological effects
Effective preparation techniques to reduce anxiety
Relaxation and mindfulness exercises to calm nerves
Identifying Triggers of Exam Anxiety
Developing a Study Schedule and Time Management Skills
The Importance of Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Utilizing Positive Self-Talk and Visualization Techniques

28. Writing as a Tool for Emotional Clarity

Journaling for self-reflection and emotional release
Creative writing to explore thoughts and feelings
The psychological benefits of gratitude and narrative journaling

29. Movement-Based Therapies for Mental Health

The connection between movement (dance, yoga) and emotional well-being
Expressive dance as a form of stress release
Incorporating movement into daily routines for mental health benefits

30. Storytelling and Role-Playing for Personal Growth

Exploring Personal Narratives Through Storytelling
Role-playing for self-exploration and empathy-building
Group storytelling activities to foster connection and healing

Week 7:Module 7: Understanding Relationships and Attachment

31. Attachment Styles and Love in Relationships

The theory of attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant)
Impact of attachment on romantic relationships
Recognizing and addressing unhealthy attachment patterns
The Role of Childhood Experiences in Shaping Attachment Styles
Attachment Styles and Communication Patterns in Relationships
The Influence of Attachment Styles on Conflict Resolution
Strategies for Developing a Secure Attachment Style

32. Balancing Personal Life and Professional Life

The importance of work-life balance
Practical steps to manage stress from both spheres
Building routines to sustain mental well-being
Setting Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time
The Role of Time Management in Achieving Balance
Utilizing Flexibility in Work Arrangements
Engaging in Hobbies and Activities Outside of Work

33. Building Healthy Friendships

Recognizing the qualities of supportive and positive friendships
Navigating challenges and conflicts in friendships
The role of mutual respect and empathy in sustaining long-term friendships

34. Healing from Relationship Trauma

Understanding the impact of betrayal, loss, or abuse on relationships
Steps for rebuilding trust and self-esteem after relationship trauma
The role of therapy and support groups in the healing process

35. The Interplay Between Attachment and Parenting

How Adult Attachment Styles Influence Parenting Behaviors
Building secure attachment with children
The impact of intergenerational patterns on attachment and relationships

Week 8:Module 8: Motivation, Crisis, and First Aid for Mental Health

36. Motivational Enhancement Training

Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Tools for increasing motivation in academic and personal settings
Techniques for Overcoming Procrastination
The Role of Goal Setting in Motivation
Utilizing Positive Reinforcement to Boost Motivation
Identifying Personal Values and Aligning Goals
The Impact of Mindfulness on Motivation and Focus

37. Psychological First Aid

What is psychological first aid (PFA)?
Steps to provide immediate mental health support in crises
How to refer someone to professional help
The Importance of Active Listening in PFA
Recognizing Signs of Distress and Mental Health Needs
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Follow-up Strategies for Ongoing Support

38. Suicide Prevention and Intervention in Higher Education

Recognizing warning signs of suicidal ideation
How to approach and talk to someone about suicide
Building a supportive community and intervention strategies
Understanding Risk Factors for Suicide Among Students
Implementing Training Programs for Faculty and Staff
Creating Accessible Mental Health Resources on Campus
Developing Peer Support Programs and Initiatives

39. Resilience Building in Times of Crisis

Understanding resilience and its role in mental health
Strategies to adapt and recover from adversity
Cultivating optimism and emotional strength during challenging times

40. Addressing Burnout in Academic and Professional Settings

Recognizing symptoms of burnout and its impact on mental health
Techniques to prevent and recover from burnout
Fostering a supportive environment to reduce stress and exhaustion

41. Crisis Management Skills for Mental Health Professionals

Decision-making during mental health emergencies
Managing emotional and behavioral crises in diverse populations
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for effective crisis intervention

Week 9:Module 9: Fostering Academic Relationships

42. Supervisor-Student Relationships

The role of mentors and supervisors in academic success
Building effective communication and trust with supervisors
Conflict management in academic mentorship relationships
Setting Clear Expectations and Goals
The Importance of Feedback and Constructive Criticism
Navigating Power Dynamics in the Supervisor-Student Relationship
Promoting Professional Development through Mentorship

43. Peer Collaboration and Teamwork in Academia

Building supportive relationships with classmates and colleagues
Strategies for effective collaboration in group projects and research
Resolving conflicts and fostering mutual respect in academic teams

44. Interdisciplinary Networking and Academic Growth

The benefits of connecting with scholars from diverse fields
Building professional relationships at conferences and seminars
Leveraging networking opportunities for academic success

45. Cultural Sensitivity in Academic Relationship

Understanding cultural differences in communication and collaboration
Fostering inclusivity in academic environments
Addressing biases and promoting cross-cultural respect

46. Building Relationships with Administrative and Support Staff

Recognizing the role of support staff in academic success
Developing effective communication with administrative teams
Creating a collaborative environment with non-teaching staff

Week 10:Module 10: Reflection on Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

47. Understanding Mental Health in Adolescence and Early Adulthood

The developmental significance of mental health during adolescence and early adulthood
Common mental health challenges faced in these stages
The role of societal expectations and identity formation in mental well-being

48. Impact of Academic Pressures on Emotional Well-being

How academic stress influences mental health
Strategies to manage performance anxiety and pressure
Building resilience in competitive academic environments

49. Navigating Social Relationships and Emotional Intelligence

The importance of healthy peer and family relationships
Understanding and managing social stressors
Developing emotional intelligence to enhance social connections

50. Personal Experiences and Emotional Growth

Reflecting on life events that shape emotional well-being
Learning from challenges and fostering personal growth
The connection between self-awareness and mental health

51. Promoting Self-Care and Emotional Resilience

The importance of self-care practices for maintaining mental health
Techniques for building emotional resilience
Cultivating habits that support long-term emotional well-being

Week 11:Module 11: Stress Management Strategy

52. Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Mental Health

Defining stress and identifying its effects on the body and mind
Recognizing academic stressors and their psychological consequences
The relationship between stress and emotional well-being

53. Mindfulness as a Stress Management Technique

The principles of mindfulness and its benefits for stress reduction
Practical mindfulness exercises (e.g., breathing techniques, body scan)
Integrating mindfulness into daily life for academic stress relief

54. Physical Exercise for Stress Relief

The role of physical activity in reducing stress and enhancing mood
Types of exercise that are effective for stress management
Creating an exercise routine to incorporate into a busy academic schedule

55. Relaxation Techniques for Managing Stress

Exploring relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery
The science behind relaxation techniques in reducing stress hormones
How to apply relaxation techniques during stressful moments or exams

56. Building a Personalized Stress Management Routine

Strategies for creating an individualized stress management plan
Setting realistic goals and habits to maintain a stress-free lifestyle
Incorporating self-care and time management to prevent burnout and stress accumulation

Week 12:Module 12: Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health

57. The Role of Social Media in Modern Life

Understanding the pervasive presence of social media in daily life
The impact of social media on communication and relationships
Benefits and challenges of social media use in academic and personal contexts

58. Social Media and Self-Esteem

How social media influences self-image and self-worth
The role of likes, comments, and followers in shaping perceptions of value
Strategies to maintain healthy self-esteem in the digital age

59. Body Image and Social Media

The impact of social media on body image and appearance ideals
Recognizing the influence of influencers, celebrities, and advertisements
Promoting positive body image and self-acceptance in a digital world

60. Mental Health Risks of Social Media Use

The link between excessive social media use and anxiety, depression, and loneliness
Identifying social media-related stressors and digital fatigue
Understanding the effects of social comparison and cyberbullying on mental well-being

61. Building Healthy Digital Habits for Well-being

Strategies for mindful and balanced social media use
Setting boundaries and managing screen time for mental health
Techniques for cultivating a positive online environment and reducing digital toxicity

Taught by

Prof. Santanu Misra, Prof. Oyin Mibang, Prof. Aneesh T, Prof. Akanksha Awasthy, Prof. Charul Bhoria, Prof. Shreyasi Vashishta, Prof. Sunny Sharma, Prof. Rita Shukla, Prof. Ansuma Narzary, Prof. Amandip Saika