A Comprehensive, collaborative and sustainable intervention package to help young people with depression in educational and clinical settings in Chennai, India

Depression is a widespread condition affecting individuals of all age groups, with a significant increase in its occurrence among children and adolescents. In India, the impact of depression on the youth is particularly concerning, as it leads to various negative outcomes such as hospitalizations, recurring episodes, psychosocial impairment, substance abuse, and even suicide. Early detection of depression in young people is crucial for improving prognosis and implementing effective interventions. This can be achieved through strategies like mental health literacy (MHL) and validated screening measures. MHL aims to increase knowledge about mental health and disorders, enabling early recognition and treatment-seeking. Validated screening measures, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory, are essential for accurate diagnosis, efficient patient care, and monitoring treatment response. Online interventions hold promise in engaging young people and providing them with information and support. The proposed pilot study aims to develop and test a comprehensive intervention package targeting 18-25-year-old individuals with depression in educational institutions and clinical settings in Chennai, India. The study includes objectives such as improving mental health literacy, monitoring wellbeing and screening for depression, providing referral information based on symptom severity, delivering interventions through mobile applications and peer support, and sustaining peer support training.