Sexual, reproductive and mental health e-learning course - Module 1: Sexual Health Matters - for Mental Health

Abstract

Welcome to this programme of sexual health learning for mental health professionals. This resource has been developed for you, a busy mental health professional, as an easy-to-use guide to key aspects of sexual and reproductive health in the context of mental illness, with clear sign-posting for those of you who want to take this subject further.
 
 It is true to say that sexual health has really 'taken off' as a subject area in health and social care, particularly with the rise of world-wide attention paid to HIV and AIDS from the early 1980s. Like mental health, however, it is still one of the areas of healthcare that is often misunderstood and shrouded in stigma, prejudice, fear and taboo.
 
 Some people say that sexual health is as integral to a person's life and relationships as is mental health. We know only too well, however, how mental illness, sexual violence and abuse, are often side-lined not least because of prejudice, stigma, misunderstanding and fear.
 
 This e-learning resource will help you identify ways in which sexual health matters for your clients, as well as assisting you in overturning some of the negatives, as you strive to improve your clients' holistic health and well-being.