Co-design of “Baatcheet,” a peer-supported, web-based storytelling intervention for young people with common mental health problems in India

Abstract Background Engaging with personal mental health stories has the potential to help people with mental health difficulties by normalizing distressing experiences, imparting coping strategies and building hope. However, evidence-based mental health storytelling platforms are scarce, especially for young people in low-resource settings. Objective This paper presents an account of the co-design of ‘Baatcheet’ (‘conversation’ in Hindi), a peer-supported, web-based storytelling intervention aimed at 16–24-year-olds with depression and anxiety in New Delhi, India. Methods Development comprised three stages: (1) establishing a logic model through consultations with a Young People’s Advisory Group ( N  = 11) and a stakeholder reference group ( N  = 20); (2) elaborating intervention guiding principles and components through focus group discussions and co-design workshops ( N  = 42); and (3) user-testing of prototypes. Results The developmental process identified key stakeholder preferences for an online, youth-focused mental health storytelling intervention. Baatcheet uses an interactive storytelling website containing a repository of personal stories about young people’s experiences of depression and anxiety. This is offered alongside brief support from a peer. Conclusions There are few story-based interventions addressing depression and anxiety for young people, especially in low-resource settings. Baatcheet has the potential to deliver engaging, accessible and timely mental health support to young people. A pilot evaluation is underway.