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Mental Health 101: Building a Foundation for Adults​

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Course Goals

  • Build a clear understanding of adult mental health.

  • Learn to spot early signs of struggle in yourself and others.

  • Gain confidence in having meaningful, supportive conversations.

  • Strengthen personal resilience while reducing stigma.

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Module 1 – What is Mental Health?

  • Defining mental health vs. mental illness

  • Why mental health is as important as physical health.

  • Common myths and misconceptions that keep people silent.

  • Understanding the continuum: thriving → struggling → crisis.

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Module 2 – Spotting Signs of Struggle

  • Early indicators of stress, burnout, depression, and anxiety in adults.

  • How these show up at work, at home, and in relationships.

  • Red flags that suggest a need for extra support.

  • Reflection: What signs tell you that you’re under strain?

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Module 3 – Talking About Mental Health

  • Why open conversations reduce stigma.

  • Do’s and don’ts for approaching a colleague, friend, or family member.

  • How to listen without judgment or “fixing.”

  • Conversation starters that feel natural and supportive.

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Module 4 – Trauma-Informed Foundations

  • The impact of trauma on the adult brain and body.

  • Nervous system basics: fight, flight, freeze, fawn.

  • Why regulation comes before problem-solving.

  • Quick grounding and self-regulation tools for everyday use.

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Module 5 – Supporting Adult Mental Health

  • Why every adult needs trusted relationships

  • Everyday actions that create safety and belonging in workplaces and communities.

  • How to show up for others without overextending yourself.

  • The power of modeling wellness for peers, family, and teams.

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Module 6 – When to Get Help

  • Knowing the limits of self-support.

  • Signs that professional help may be needed.

  • How to connect someone (or yourself) to resources with compassion.

  • Building your personal “support map” of people and services.

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Module 7 – Taking Care of Yourself

  • Why your well-being must come first.

  • Recognizing and preventing burnout or compassion fatigue.

  • Simple daily practices that build resilience.

  • Reflection: What drains your energy? What restores it?

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Format Options

  • 2–3 Hour Workshop: Overview + core practices.

  • Full Training (6–8 hours): All modules with reflection, role-plays, and practice.

Self-Paced Online Course: Recorded modules, worksheets, and resource guides.

Kathleen Donaldson Consulting

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©2023 by Kathleen Donaldson Consulting. 

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