Psychological self-help interventions: delivering self-help for individuals, featuring Step-by-Step and Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: web annex: Step-by-Step: a self-help intervention for depression
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World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
136 p.
Expanding access to evidence-based mental health care remains a critical global health priority, particularly in settings where specialist services are limited. This web annex describes the content and practical application of a structured psychological self-help intervention designed to support individuals experiencing depression and related distress. It complements a broader guidance document by detailing the Step-by-Step programme, illustrating how low-intensity, scalable approaches can be delivered through structured modules, narrative-based content and behavioural techniques. The annex outlines the full intervention through user stories, guided instruction and a sequence of modules, exercises and implementation considerations. It presents core components such as stress management, behavioural activation, self-compassion and social connection, supported by tools including grounding, breathing exercises, gratitude lists and mood tracking. Additional sections describe user engagement processes, the role of a guiding facilitator, and practical steps for adaptation to diverse cultural and delivery contexts. Intended for programme implementers, trainers and non-specialist helpers, the document functions as a practical resource to support contextual adaptation, implementation and integration of the intervention within health and community systems addressing common mental health conditions.
Expanding access to evidence-based mental health care remains a critical global health priority, particularly in settings where specialist services are limited. This web annex describes the content and practical application of a structured psychological self-help intervention designed to support individuals experiencing depression and related distress. It complements a broader guidance document by detailing the Step-by-Step programme, illustrating how low-intensity, scalable approaches can be delivered through structured modules, narrative-based content and behavioural techniques. The annex outlines the full intervention through user stories, guided instruction and a sequence of modules, exercises and implementation considerations. It presents core components such as stress management, behavioural activation, self-compassion and social connection, supported by tools including grounding, breathing exercises, gratitude lists and mood tracking. Additional sections describe user engagement processes, the role of a guiding facilitator, and practical steps for adaptation to diverse cultural and delivery contexts. Intended for programme implementers, trainers and non-specialist helpers, the document functions as a practical resource to support contextual adaptation, implementation and integration of the intervention within health and community systems addressing common mental health conditions.
Keywords
Depression, Self-Help Groups, Mental Health Services, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotherapy, Delivery of Health Care, Health Services Accessibility, Community Health Services, Stress, Psychological, Behavior Therapy, Cultural Competency, Relaxation Therapy, Mindfulness, Social Support, Self Efficacy, Community Health Workers, Task Shifting, Global Health, Telemedicine, Internet-Based Intervention, Mobile Applications, Patient Education as Topic, Manuals as Topic, methods, organization and administration, methods