Mental Health Literacy
This module introduces mental health literacy as a critical skill for every Accredited Athletics Coach. It explores the knowledge and awareness needed to identify mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide athletes or peers towards appropriate help. Research highlights the coach’s pivotal role as a first point of contact when athletes face mental challenges. Therefore, understanding how to recognise, respond and refer is vital to maintaining athlete wellbeing and performance.
Through practical examples and tools, this course focuses on the continuum of mental health, including mental distress, mental health problems and mental disorders. It examines the Big 5 (+1) pillars for positive mental health, the stress response, and steps for managing stress constructively. You will explore the causes and symptoms of common conditions such as anxiety, mood and eating disorders, while gaining strategies for effective conversations about mental health. The module also outlines referral pathways for athletes needing specialist support.
To reinforce learning, the Mental Health Toolbox introduces practical techniques such as box breathing for stress control, body scan meditation to promote recovery and sleep, and journaling to reduce burnout and enhance goal-setting. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with a solid foundation in mental health literacy to better support your athletes and your own mental wellbeing.
CPD Points: 15
Linked Accreditation Program/s: Performance Coach, Advanced Running Coach
Topics Covered:
Mental health spectrum
Big 5 (+1) pillars
Stress response
Common mental disorders
Anxiety and mood symptoms
Eating disorders
Conversations about mental health
Referral pathways
Box breathing
Body scan meditation
Journaling
