Integrating Care: Depression, Anxiety and Physical Illness

Explore the connection between depression, anxiety, and physical illness

Around one in three people have a long-term physical illness, and of these people, around one in three also struggle with mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Symptoms such as pain, fatigue, disability, and uncertainty around treatment, can all contribute to mental health problems, which in turn can worsen physical symptoms.

On this course, you’ll learn how mental and physical health interact. You’ll look in-depth at the relationship between physical and mental illness, and improve your ability to recognise symptoms and find help.

This course is for anyone affected by physical and mental illness, their families and carers, and those working in healthcare.

This course is for anyone affected by physical and mental illness, their families and carers, and those working in healthcare.

• Explain the mind-body link and how mental and physical illness interact
• Describe the key risk factors, signs and symptoms, and challenges to identifying depression and anxiety in people with a physical illness
• Initiate conversations about mental health and deal effectively with barriers to discussing depression and anxiety
• Demonstrate knowledge of practical coping strategies, treatment options and sources of support for people with depression/anxiety and a physical illness
• Evaluate suicide risk and explain when and how to take action
• Reflect on how healthcare services can provide better care for people depression/anxiety and physical illness