Mental Health First Steps: Supporting People in Distress
Learn to spot signs of distress, listen without judging and guide someone towards help.
Taught by Zalika Africa Faculty · Updated 30 Sep 2026
What you will learn
- Explain the difference between mental health and mental illness
- Describe common conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis without trying to diagnose them
- Challenge common myths and stigma about mental health
- Notice warning signs of distress and listen without judging
- Ask directly about suicide and describe what to do when someone is at immediate risk
- Use healthy coping, boundaries and confidentiality to protect yourself and others
Course content
3 modules · 9 lessons · 1h 36m
1. Understanding Mental Health3 lessons
- What is mental health?Preview9m
- Common conditions: depression, anxiety and psychosis11m
- Stigma and myths in our communities10m
- Quiz: Understanding Mental Health5 questions
2. Supporting Someone in Distress3 lessons
- Noticing the warning signs10m
- Listening without judging: a simple five-step approach12m
- When someone may be thinking of suicide13m
- Quiz: Supporting Someone in Distress5 questions
3. Looking After Yourself and Others3 lessons
- Stress, burnout and healthy coping10m
- Setting boundaries without feeling guilty10m
- Confidentiality, and when you must share information11m
- Quiz: Looking After Yourself and Others5 questions
About this course
This course is for caregivers, home helpers, childcare workers, community volunteers and anyone who wants to support a friend, a client or a family member who is struggling. You do not need any background in health. Some lessons talk about suicide. Please take a break at any point if you need one.
You will learn the difference between mental health and mental illness, and you will meet common conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis, without trying to diagnose anyone. You will practise noticing warning signs, listening without judging, and encouraging a person to seek professional help. You will also learn what to do if someone may be thinking of suicide, how to look after your own wellbeing, and when you must share information to keep someone safe.
Employers in homes and care settings, in Kenya and abroad, value staff who are calm, kind and know the limits of their role. This course builds those skills. It is an introduction only. It does not make you a counsellor or therapist, it does not replace professional care, and it does not promise a job or a visa.
What you need
- A phone, tablet or computer with internet access
- Basic English reading skills
- Willingness to learn about sensitive topics, including suicide
Who this is for
- Caregivers and home helpers who support clients and families
- Childcare workers and teachers' assistants
- Community volunteers, youth leaders and peer supporters
- Anyone who wants to help a friend or relative who is struggling
Your certificate
Complete every lesson and pass the assessments with 70% or more to earn a Zalika Africa certificate of completion with a QR code employers can verify online. The certificate costs KES 1,000, paid only once you have finished.
Your instructor
Zalika Africa Faculty
Teaching team, Zalika Africa Institute
Courses from the Zalika Africa Institute teaching team — the trainers behind our on-campus caregiver, home-management and housekeeping programmes in Westlands, Nairobi.
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