This module focuses on some of the more common mental health experiences vocational rehabilitation counselors and disability-support professionals may encounter in everyday practice. It emphasizes observable patterns and lived experiences rather than diagnosis with attention to how distress may be shaped by disability, access barriers, and chronic stress.
If you need a refresher, revisit Module 1 – Mental Distress and Disability
What this module covers
- A brief overview of depression, anxiety, and panic.
- Common signs of depression and anxiety as they may appear in vocational settings
- Appropriate and inappropriate responses to anxiety and panic attacks
- Ways depression and anxiety may be misunderstood or minimized in professional contexts
What you’ll practice noticing
- Patterns that suggest someone may be experiencing depression, anxiety, or panic
- The impact your response to an anxiety or panic episode has when working with clients with disabilities.
Included in this Module
- What is Depression?
- The Depression Shame Spiral
- What is Anxiety?
- What is Panic?
- Module 2 Summary and Reflection
This module is intended to support awareness rather than certainty. You can move through it gradually and revisit sections as needed.
A summary and reflection exercise is included at the end of this module for those who want to pause and reflect.
When you’re ready, continue to What is Depression?
Disability and Mental Distress 