Stress, Mental Health, and Sleep
Stress and coping
Understand the stress response (acute versus chronic) and the difference between eustress (motivating) and distress (harmful). Know evidence-based coping strategies: problem-focused (change the stressor) versus emotion-focused (regulate the response), plus relaxation techniques, social support, and physical activity. A trap is treating all stress as harmful or suggesting that coping means avoiding the problem.
Mental health basics
Recognize common conditions - depression, anxiety, and substance use - and their warning signs. Know the difference between screening (a brief tool such as PHQ-9 or GAD-7) and diagnosis (a clinical determination). CHWs screen, support, and refer; they do not diagnose. Suicide risk requires immediate escalation to crisis resources and clinical care. Never promise confidentiality when safety is at risk.
Sleep
Know the basics of sleep hygiene: consistent schedule, dark and cool room, limiting screens and caffeine near bedtime, and avoiding alcohol as a sleep aid. Recognize that sleep apnea signs (snoring, gasping, daytime sleepiness) warrant referral. The trap is treating sleep as separate from mental and physical health rather than as a foundation for both.
Worked rule of thumb
When a client mentions hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm, the correct answer is always direct, compassionate escalation - asking directly and connecting to crisis and clinical support - not continued coaching or a delayed follow-up.