skills development and mental health
explore how developing skills and learning can help you with your mental health and overall wellbeing
Learning new skills can help you grow confident, provide structure and open up opportunities. Whether it’s gaining qualifications, exploring hobbies, improving social skills or building independence, skills development can offer a sense of purpose and progression.
However, mental health challenges can make learning feel overwhelming. Low motivation, difficulty concentrating, anxiety or fear of failure can create barriers. This resource explores how learning at your own pace, setting realistic goals and finding the right support can make skill-building manageable and rewarding.
the link between learning and mental health
Learning has a profound impact on mental wellbeing, not only by building confidence, independence and emotional resilience. The process of acquiring new skills engages the brain in ways that can improve mood, cognitive function and increase life satisfaction.
Some of the ways skills development impacts our mental health:
- Learning provides structure: Routine can help bring stability and predictability, which is especially helpful when dealing with anxiety or depression.
- Skills development can reduce stress: Learning practical skills, such as time management, problem-solving or financial literacy, makes everyday life feel more manageable. When we feel more capable in handling challenges, stress levels decrease.
- Building skills increases confidence: We can gain a sense of accomplishment and reinforce self-belief and confidence. This is important for those who have experienced stigma, discrimination or exclusion, as it helps rebuild a sense of self-worth and personal agency.
- New skills can create connections. Joining learning groups, workshops or online courses can reduce isolation and build supportive networks. Learning alongside others – whether through peer support, workplace training or shared hobbies – helps us form meaningful relationships.
- Learning stimulates neurochemical reactions that boost mental health: The process of learning or mastering a new skill activates dopamine release, which contributes to motivation and emotional regulation. Engaging in learning can reduce feelings of stagnation, boredom or hopelessness, particularly for those facing long-term mental health challenges.
- Skill-building supports cognitive advancements: Learning improves memory, attention and problem-solving abilities, which are often affected by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
the challenges mental health conditions bring to learning
Mental health conditions can affect motivation, concentration and self-confidence, making it harder to engage with learning. The way someone experiences these challenges depends on their individual circumstances, but some common barriers include:
Low energy and motivation
Depression and fatigue can make it difficult to start or stay engaged in learning.
Fear of failure and perfectionism
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt, avoidance or pressure to perform perfectly, preventing people from trying new things.
Difficulty concentrating
Conditions like ADHD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or high levels of stress can make it challenging to focus for extended periods.
Medication side effects
Prescribed medications or medication changes can affect focus, energy levels and memory, making learning more challenging.
Unpredictability of mental health conditions
Recovery is not always linear, meaning progress in learning may follow a similar pattern with fluctuations in engagement. The same applies to those caring for those living with mental illness.
Social anxiety and reintegration
Some people, such as those living with selective mutism, may find group learning environments intimidating. Additionally, those who have been isolated due to mental health challenges may find it difficult to reintegrate into social settings, often experiencing severe anxiety in unfamiliar places.
Structured learning
Many structured learning programmes are designed around funding requirements and specific timeframes. While these approaches work well for some, they can feel overwhelming or inaccessible to people managing long-term mental health conditions. The expectation to meet deadlines or progress within a set timeframe can discourage individuals from even starting, especially if past learning experiences have been difficult.
“For us, most people referred are anxious, lack confidence and find social situations very difficult. We have found over the years that if these three things can be resolved over a period of time, then learning and developing takes care of itself.
“Our priority is to work with people to get them into groups, do an activity they enjoy and get them used to being around people. All the while, we are embedding opportunities for skills development, whether IT, decision–making, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, etc, into the group activities.”
John Scott, Service Manager for Employability Support Service, delivered by Change Mental Health across Dumfries and Galloway.
developing life skills for better mental health
Research indicates that life skills training effectively reduces symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and stress, especially among young people and children.
Managing daily tasks, maintaining routines and developing coping strategies can help create stability and a sense of control. Recognising early warning signs of distress, following treatment plans and practising self-care are all important in maintaining wellbeing. Developing practical skills like budgeting, meal preparation and household management can make daily life feel more manageable, reducing stress, removing financial worries and improving overall wellbeing.
Strong social skills and communication help build and maintain relationships, set boundaries and handle conflicts in a healthy way. Decision-making and goal setting provide direction helping to create clear, manageable steps towards progress. Having peer support or accountability – whether through friends, mentors or community groups – can help with motivation and provide encouragement along the way.
practical strategies for skills development
Skills development should feel encouraging, not exhausting. If mental health challenges make learning difficult, adapting your approach can help make the process more manageable and enjoyable.
Start small and set realistic goals
Breaking learning into small, achievable steps can prevent it from feeling overwhelming. Whether it’s setting a goal to read one chapter of a book, complete a short online course or practise a skill for ten minutes a day, gradual progress builds confidence.
Find a learning style that works for you
Not everyone thrives in traditional face-to-face settings. Podcasts, audiobooks, hands-on activities, visual learning tools and interactive courses can make learning more engaging. If concentration is a challenge, try short, focused sessions with regular breaks.
“In many cases, adults today find themselves struggling to manage life and living in this hectic and demanding world. Often our learners come looking for new skills or hobbies but in almost all our groups there will be learners who cite improvement in their mental and emotional wellbeing as a goal in participation.
“Lifelong learning helps people feel more connected and less isolated, especially in rural areas because we have the means to offer online courses which they can access from home or on their mobile phone.”
Karen Doherty, Course and Projects Manager for Scotland at WEA Scotland.
Read more how lifelong learning courses delivered by WEA help people supported by Change Mental Health in Fife.
Use nature to support learning and wellbeing
Spending time in natural spaces has been shown to improve focus, reduce stress and boost mood. Taking study breaks outdoors, reading in a park or even going for a short walk before learning can help with mental clarity and energy levels. For those who struggle with sitting still for long periods, learning in motion can be a great alternative.
Create a supportive environment
A comfortable and distraction-free space can improve focus. If studying alone feels isolating, joining a peer learning group, workplace training session or online forum can provide encouragement and accountability. Having a study buddy or mentor can also help keep motivation levels up.
Be kind to yourself
It’s okay if learning takes longer than expected. Mental health can fluctuate and some days will be easier than others. Taking breaks, celebrating small achievements and knowing when to pause are all part of a healthy learning process.
Fuel your brain with good nutrition
What we eat impacts energy levels, concentration and emotional regulation. Nutritious meals with protein, whole grains and healthy fats can help maintain focus throughout the day, while staying hydrated supports brain function and cognitive performance.
Balance learning with wellbeing
Prioritising sleep, exercise and self-care makes it easier to absorb information and stay engaged. If learning ever feels too much, stepping back and returning when you’re ready can prevent burnout.
getting involved: learning through community and contribution
Skills development doesn’t have to be a solitary process. Volunteering, fundraising and community learning provide valuable opportunities to gain experience, build confidence and connect with others.
- Volunteering as a learning experience: Many people find that volunteering is an easy and effective way to reintroduce structure while developing workplace skills.
- Fundraising for mental health causes: Taking part in sponsored walks, creative challenges or charity events can build a sense of purpose and achievement.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
other support
Highland HighLife promotes opportunities in culture, learning, sport, leisure, health and wellbeing across Highlands
Discovery College in Highlands offers a range of free training aimed at reconnecting with your community through learning
WEA Scotland offers free adult learning courses online and in-venues across Scotland
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Lifelong Learning works with a wide range of third sector and public partners to deliver accredited and non-accredited learning opportunities
MoveOn – offers employability training and volunteering opportunities in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Access to Industry works with young people and adults who face barriers to employment
Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning Hub provides a selection of free, high-quality, and flexible online and face-to-face learning courses. It also runs employment-focused trainings.
Fife Employment Access Trust supports people with mental health problems in finding and maintaining work through a range of courses and activities.
Fife College offers courses in local venues across Fife through their Community-Based Adult Learning programmes, which can help you improve your skills for learning, work and life.
