Certificate in Depression

Course overview

Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common, yet serious, mental health disorder in adults, children, and adolescents. Depression interferes with an individuals daily life and normal functioning and may cause emotional pain for the individual with the disorder as well as family and friends. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, criteria for diagnosis, and treatment options available, depression can be recognized early, and depressive symptoms can be reduced or alleviated. Death by suicide, which can result from depression, is a tragic reaction to stressful life circumstances. Understanding the issues surrounding suicide and mental health is a vital step in preventing suicide, helping others in crisis, and changing the way all of us view suicide and mental health issues. The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for depression, as well as conventional, complementary, and integrative treatment options for those with depression. The learner will also describe risk factors, as well as assessment, treatment and prevention options for suicide.