What is mental health literacy?

Eadie and Josh from the Student Research Team talk about the session they’re planning at this year’s conference, lifting the lid on Mental Health Literacy.  

So what is mental health literacy (MHL)?

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It has been formerly defined as the “knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention” (Jorm et al., 1997, p. 182). Good MHL is key to recognising and supporting our own and/or others mental health. We are lucky enough to be joined by Professor Anthony Jorm who has made great contributions to the literature in this area. Tony will be discussing his research on the concept, addressing some of the complexities of MHL and the effectiveness of mental health first aid - a strategy to educate individuals about how to identify and support someone suffering with a mental health concern.
 
We are also excited to welcome speakers from various roles in student wellbeing: Dr Denise Meyer, head of wellbeing at the University of Portsmouth, Julia Haas, Student Wellbeing and Welfare Manager at Kings College London Student’s Union, and Katherine Caffrey, mental health trainer for Charlie Waller Trust. They will be speaking from experience on what works and what still needs to be done to improve MHL across the institution. There will be a specific focus on the role of peer support and emotional regulation.
 
Finally, Kate Ippolito, a Principal Teaching Fellow in Educational development and Early Careers Researcher (ECR) at Imperial College, will be speaking on the panel. Kates’ PhD research focuses on teaching staff and students awareness, attribution and agency of emotion in learning and its impact on well-being. Kate will be able to provide an insight into the role of academic staff in supporting students wellbeing.
 
All of our amazing panelists will be sharing their knowledge and answering your questions surrounding MHL across universities. 

Eadie Simons 
Sport and Exercise Science Undergraduate at the University of Lincoln

Joshua Melwani
Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology Undergraduate at the University of Manchester