The Michigan Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program: School-Based Prevention to Address Depression Among Teens

Abstract

Objective: The Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program (P2P) is a school-based program that aims to decrease mental illness and promote well-being among students by empowering high school students as both learners and educators. Specific goals include improving the school climate around mental health, directing students to resources, and encouraging help-seeking behavior. Methods: In the 2015–2016 academic year, 121 students across 10 high schools organized into teams and were trained to develop and implement peer-to-peer depression awareness campaigns. Outcomes were assessed via pre- and posttest questionnaires. Results: A total of 878 students completed questionnaires. Outcomes demonstrated improved knowledge and attitudes toward depression, increased confidence in identifying and referring peers with depression, improved help-seeking intentions, and reduced stigma. Conclusions: The P2P program increased depression literacy through the use of youth-designed and youth-implemented depression awareness and outreach activities, which may ultimately result in earlier detection of depression and in fewer depression sequelae.