Living with Depression
If you are struggling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or other symptoms of depression, you are not alone. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States.
Depression can affect all areas of life, including relationships, sleep, and work. Using medicine that helps to improve feelings of depression or talking to a professional can help.
Unfortunately, talking to a professional in-person may not be an option for people living in rural areas like Appalachia. Healthcare providers who treat depression are limited, or they may be too far away. At-home assistance over a smartphone or computer could help more people in Appalachia manage their depression.
About the Appalachian
Mind Health Initiative
The Appalachian Mind Health Initiative is a research study to learn if a certain type of online assistance is a good treatment option for adults with depression. This type of assistance is called electronic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (eCBT). eCBT can be done over the internet in the privacy of your own home. It may help by teaching new ways of thinking about tricky situations and processing difficult emotions.
What To Expect
If you are a good fit and choose to take part in this study, you will be randomly placed in one of three groups:
Group 1: Treatment as Usual
These participants will continue to follow their treatment plan from their regular doctor with no changes.
Group 2: Unguided eCBT
These participants will continue to follow their treatment plan from their regular doctor. They will also have access to an online self-guided eCBT program.
Group 3: Guided eCBT
These participants will continue to follow their treatment plan from their regular doctor. They will also work virtually with a coach (not in person) to complete an online eCBT program.
You will be taking part in the study for about one year. If you are in Group 2 or 3, it will take about two months to complete the eCBT program. During this time, you will be asked to complete surveys at home on your smartphone or computer. This includes a starting survey and activity (about two hours), seven follow-up surveys (about 15-20 minutes), and a final exit survey (about one hour). You will receive up to $290 in gift cards for completing these surveys.
You will remain under the care of your regular doctor. Your decision to take part will be kept private, and we will not share information that could identify you. You can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason. Choosing not to take part in this study will not affect your future medical care.
Why Should I Join?
By taking part in this study, you can make a difference in your community. The results of this study could help improve treatment options for depression and help other people in rural locations have access to eCBT.
Additionally, you may have access to eCBT. Your depression symptoms may improve, worsen, or stay the same. There is no guarantee that you will get any direct benefit from taking part in this study.
Learn More
Answer a few questions to see if this study may be a good fit and connect with a member of the study team.
To ask questions or for more information, you can also reach the study team by telephone:
Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your doctor immediately. Additional help is available through the following:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 24-Hour Line: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), Press “1” if you’re a Veteran
- 24-Hour Lifeline Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
- 24-Hour Crisis Line: 988
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration's 24-Hour Referral Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)
Mental Health Services Locator
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicidepreventionlifeline.org (live chat available)