‘Reach Out, Rise Up’: The efficacy of text messaging in an intervention package for anxiety and depression severity in young people

Abstract

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are among the most commonly experienced mental health issues faced by young people in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Considerable barriers exist that prevent young people from engaging with face-to-face mental health services. Young people's preference for technology-based counselling mediums such as text messaging opens up new pathways for intervention. ObjectiveA pilot text message-based intervention package was trialled for use by young people to evaluate the potential efficacy of the text package as an intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms. MethodThe text package was piloted using a 10-week longitudinal cohort pilot with 21 young participants (12–24years) who demonstrated mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression symptoms. ResultsParticipants' post-package scores were significantly lower than their pre-package scores for both anxiety (Z=−2.83, p=.005, r=−0.65) and depression (Z=−2.49, p=.013, r=−.056). ‘Feeling encouraged and supported’ increased as a result of receiving support from a trained supporter (Z=−2.06, p=.039, r=−0.45), but not from friends/family (Z=−1.72, p=.130, r=−0.37). Anxiety and depression scores did not change as a result of support from either trained supporters or friends/family. ConclusionsFindings support the potential efficacy of the text package, justify wider trials of the text package, and support the use of text message-based interventions as potentially effective therapies for young people.