The Talk it Up Program

Depression intervention programs aimed at adolescents have been shown not only to prevent depression, but also have been proven cost-effective compared to other interventions. “Talk It Up, Texas!” (Talk It Up) began in response to the community’s expressed need for help for depression among students in South San Antonio.

Download the Talk It Up brochure!

This stand-alone, school-based program educates teens, their families, teachers and community members about the illness of depression. We learned through formative research that when students have a problem, they most often turn to their friends. Accordingly, the “Talk It Up” program trains students to become peer facilitators who can: 1) recognize depression in others, 2) approach a depressed teen, and 3) refer that student to an adult for help.

This training helps teens understand depression as a medical illness. Biologic and genetic components of depressed are discussed in the curriculum as predispositions to clinical depression, along with psychological factors. Students are also encouraged to discuss cultural constructs as barriers to treatment. After graduating, they are equipped with basic knowledge of the signs and symptoms of depression and are trained to accompany students to a counselor or social worker for a mental health assessment.

Facilitator and Student guides are downloadable from this website. We also offer a bilingual Parent Booklet and Counselor Guides to support this program in your community. A 40-minute short film, shot in San Antonio, is also available. “Mia’s Story” is about a teen that doesn’t get help for depression until it’s almost too late.

If you have questions about the program or need technical assistance, please call Laura Fornos at (210) 358-5884.