The Open University

‘Studying has helped me to better understand how my mind works’

2 October 2019

In 2014, Liz suffered a breakdown that grounded her life to a halt – she struggled to leave the house, and completing everyday tasks became impossible. Support from friends, counselling and baking helped ease the symptoms of anxiety. Liz went on to build her cake-making into a business, and today BuBakes has featured in numerous magazines […]

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

8 February 2019

Mental health problems affect 1 in 10 children and young people, with more than half (56%) saying that they worry ‘all the time’ about at least one thing to do with their school life, home life or themselves. As we mark Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (4-10 February), Dr Jackie Musgrave, Programme Leader for Early Childhood and Primary […]

Baking it Better – can baking help tackle anxiety?

19 December 2018

Liz suddenly experienced a series of anxiety attacks, which forced her to stop working for a long period of time. Baking became her outlet, as it was the only activity that would prevent further attacks. The following video is a key part of the Approaches to Mental Health module that can be studied on a variety of […]

Picture of someone holding another person's hand

What can I do about my mental health when I don’t have the support I need?

15 May 2018

What can you do if you’re not comfortable talking about mental health issues with your peers? Dr Jonathan Leach and Dr Mathijs Lucassen suggest six ways of getting the support you need. While good relationships with other people can support good mental health and be a source of help at times when our mental health is […]

Seven simple ways to support colleagues with mental health issues

10 October 2017

This article was authored by Matt Georges – one of our inspirational graduates who recently achieved his degree in Economics and Mathematical Sciences, aged 38. Some years ago, while discussing my depression with a senior manager, I was described by them as being “broken”. I knew they meant to be sympathetic, but it showed me […]

Lesbian, gay and bisexual teenagers at much greater risk of depression

30 August 2017

Adolescence can be tough for young people, but it can be especially hard for teenagers who aren’t straight. Our latest study reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual young people (LGB or “sexual minority youth”) have about three times the risk of being depressed compared with their heterosexual peers. Our results are based on a meta-analysis […]

Coping with depression and the Christmas blues

21 December 2015

For many, this time of year isn’t always full of glad tidings and joy. Open University Psychologist, Professor Darren Langdridge talks about the Winter blues, practical ways to manage your mood, and how to deal with the expectations many have around Christmas time. Listen to Darren Langdridge’s podcast

Why carers are disadvantaged even when their responsibilities end

20 October 2015

Recognition of carers and their vital role in society has never been greater. However, despite being the subject of a series of policy initiatives over the past 30 years – the Care Act 2014 being the latest – carers continue to be profoundly disadvantaged. There is an extensive body of evidence about the multidimensional, adverse […]