Empower Positive Change with the Diploma in Depression Awareness
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Depression is designed to build clear understanding of depression, its impact on individuals, workplaces, and communities, and the importance of early awareness and supportive responses. This course provides structured knowledge on emotional wellbeing, common symptoms, contributing factors, and stigma reduction. Learners gain insight into how depression can affect daily functioning, relationships, and productivity. The programme focuses on awareness, responsible support, and practical understanding rather than diagnosis or treatment. It is not Ofqual regulated and is developed to promote informed, compassionate, and safe approaches to mental health awareness in diverse environments.
Through a balanced and learner-friendly approach, the course explores key concepts related to mental health awareness, communication, and supportive practices. Participants learn how to recognise warning signs, understand emotional and behavioural changes, and respond appropriately within non-clinical boundaries. Emphasis is placed on empathy, active listening, and signposting to appropriate support channels. The diploma complements a range of existing certifications and diplomas in health, safety, wellbeing, human resources, education, and community support roles, strengthening confidence and awareness when engaging with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Depression supports professional development by enhancing mental health awareness across multiple sectors. It is suitable for those seeking to add value to their existing certifications and diplomas in workplace wellbeing, health and safety awareness, leadership, teaching support, or social care-related roles. The knowledge gained helps promote healthier, more supportive environments by encouraging understanding, respect, and responsible action. This course empowers learners to contribute positively to mental wellbeing initiatives while maintaining clear boundaries and ethical responsibility in personal and professional settings.
Program Highlights
Study Units
- Introduction to Depression and Mental Health Awareness (3 hours)
- Biological and Psychological Causes of Depression (4 hours)
- Recognising Signs and Symptoms Across the Lifespan (5 hours)
- Types of Depression: Clinical, Postnatal, Seasonal, and Atypical (6 hours)
- Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Criteria (3 hours)
- Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions (4 hours)
- Pharmacological Treatments and Medication Management (3 hours)
- Lifestyle Factors: Diet, Exercise, and Sleep in Mental Health (2 hours)
To ensure learners gain maximum benefit from the OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Depression, the following entry requirements have been outlined to support effective learning and participation:
- Age Requirement: Participants should be at least 18 years old to ensure maturity and readiness to engage with mental health awareness topics.
- Educational Background: A basic educational qualification is recommended. Learners with relevant diplomas or certificates in health and safety, social care, counselling, wellbeing, human resources, or community support may find the course particularly beneficial, although this is not mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: Participants should have a reasonable level of English proficiency to understand course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments effectively, as the course is delivered in English.
- Work Experience: Prior experience in social care, education, health, workplace wellbeing, or community support roles is advantageous but not required, as the course is designed for both beginners and professionals seeking to enhance mental health awareness.
This course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners and supports practical understanding of depression, enabling participants to apply knowledge responsibly and promote wellbeing in various personal and professional settings.
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Depression and Mental Health Awareness (3 hours)
- Define depression and its distinction from general low mood
- Understand the prevalence and social impact of depression
- Recognise the importance of mental health literacy and reducing stigma
Biological and Psychological Causes of Depression (4 hours)
- Identify genetic, neurological, and hormonal contributors to depression
- Explain psychological models including cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic theories
- Understand how environmental and social factors contribute to depressive disorders
Recognising Signs and Symptoms Across the Lifespan (5 hours)
- Identify age-specific symptoms of depression in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults
- Understand how depression may present differently across genders and cultural backgrounds
- Recognise co-occurring disorders and their effect on depressive symptoms
Types of Depression: Clinical, Postnatal, Seasonal, and Atypical (6 hours)
- Differentiate between major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and other forms
- Understand the unique features and triggers of postnatal depression and seasonal affective disorder
- Identify symptoms specific to atypical depression and treatment implications
Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Criteria (3 hours)
- Explore key diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5 and ICD-11
- Understand the use of common assessment tools such as PHQ-9 and GAD-7
- Learn to identify severity levels and referral thresholds for professional support
Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions (4 hours)
- Understand the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy and other psychological approaches
- Explore the role of counselling, mindfulness, and interpersonal therapy in treatment
- Identify factors that influence therapeutic outcomes and client engagement
Pharmacological Treatments and Medication Management (3 hours)
- Learn the main classes of antidepressants and their mechanisms of action
- Understand common side effects, risks, and the importance of medication adherence
- Recognise the role of healthcare professionals in prescribing and monitoring medication
Lifestyle Factors: Diet, Exercise, and Sleep in Mental Health (2 hours)
- Understand how nutrition, physical activity, and sleep affect mood and mental well-being
- Explore evidence supporting lifestyle interventions in managing depression
- Learn to support individuals in making realistic and sustainable lifestyle changes
Target Audience
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Depression is designed for individuals who want to develop a strong understanding of depression, mental health awareness, and practical strategies to support wellbeing in personal, professional, or community settings.
Mental Health Professionals and Support Workers
- Counsellors and therapists seeking foundational knowledge in depression
- Social workers engaging with vulnerable populations
- Healthcare assistants supporting mental health services
- Community support staff promoting emotional wellbeing
- Individuals involved in mental health awareness initiatives
- Professionals working in rehabilitation or care settings
Educators and School Staff
- Teachers and teaching assistants supporting students’ emotional health
- School counsellors and welfare officers
- Education coordinators managing wellbeing programmes
- Staff working with children and adolescents at risk of depression
- Individuals aiming to recognise early warning signs in educational environments
- Staff seeking practical approaches to support students’ mental health
Workplace and HR Professionals
- Human resources staff addressing employee wellbeing
- Managers promoting supportive workplace environments
- Occupational health and safety professionals focusing on mental health
- Team leaders aiming to identify and respond to mental health concerns
- Staff involved in employee assistance or wellness programmes
- Professionals seeking practical awareness for team support
Fitness, Sports, and Wellness Professionals
- Personal trainers and fitness instructors addressing client mental health
- Wellness coaches guiding clients on emotional wellbeing
- Sports coaches supporting athletes’ mental and emotional resilience
- Practitioners promoting holistic health approaches
- Professionals integrating mental wellbeing into training programmes
- Individuals aiming to support clients’ motivation and recovery
Community and Social Care Workers
- Volunteers and staff in community centres or youth programmes
- Social care practitioners supporting adults and elderly populations
- Staff working with groups at risk of depression or isolation
- Individuals seeking to develop empathy and awareness for mental health challenges
- Community coordinators implementing wellbeing initiatives
- Professionals enhancing practical knowledge for supportive environments
Individuals Seeking Personal Awareness
- Family members or friends of individuals experiencing depression
- Individuals aiming to increase their understanding of mental health
- Learners interested in developing skills for supportive communication
- People seeking practical strategies to promote wellbeing
- Those wishing to complement existing health and wellbeing knowledge
- Individuals aiming to create safer, more supportive personal and social environments
This course equips learners from diverse backgrounds with practical knowledge and awareness to recognise, understand, and respond to depression effectively, contributing to safer, supportive, and mentally healthy environments.
