Tackling teen depression through story and gameplay

Create an app aimed at teens struggling with depression.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and its incidence peaks during adolescence. In South Africa around 20% of adolescents struggle with symptoms of depression. Left untreated, depression interferes with young people’s ability to fulfil their potential and is a major risk factor for suicide. Effective psychological treatments to address depression exist, but the reality is that most young people do not have access to them.

The comprehensive DoBAt study involved numerous institutions which included University of Oxford, University of Exeter, University College London and the USA University of California. With the aim to develop and evaluate a digital intervention to address depression amongst adolescents in low- and middle-income countries using an evidence-based psychological therapy called Behavioural Activation, Sea Monster was approached to develop the ‘Kuamsha app’ for use during Phase 1 of the study (during March 2019-Sept 2021).

Emotive storytelling meets well-researched therapeutic understanding.

Through an iterative process of co-design with over 160 adolescents and other stakeholders, we helped co-develop the Kuamsha app using friendly, interactive narratives and guided by the principles of Behavioural Activation (BA).

As an all-in-one experience, this MVP features animated storytelling, mini-games and an extensive suite of BA activities and check-in systems, all designed for accessible mobile experiences in both South Africa and Uganda.

Upon launch, the app was also supported by weekly phone calls from trained Peer Mentors who help adolescents integrate the lessons learnt through the app into their daily lives.