Preliminary effectiveness study of the Cope Notes digital mental Health program.

Background: Cope Notes is a subscription-based EMI that uses Short Message Service (SMS) technology to deliver daily text messages that promote hope, reduce stigma, and encourage coping and the use of positive psychology strategies.
Aim: We aimed to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of Cope Notes, a brief ecological momentary intervention (EMI).
Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study where participants ( N  = 64) completed measures of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, coping, emotional intelligence, label avoidance, attitudes towards treatment-seeking, and readiness for change before the intervention, 1 month post-intervention, and 2 months post-intervention. This study includes mixed repeated measures ANOVAs to analyze over time.
Results: Findings show that participants with severe depression experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and perceived stress ( p < .001) and showed a significant increase in emotional intelligence at 1 month post-intervention. Participants with mild to moderate depression experienced a significant increase in overall coping and problem-focused coping.
Conclusions: While further investigation of Cope Notes' feasibility and acceptability is warranted, these findings support that the Cope Notes EMI holds promise as a low-cost, impactful mental health solution for populations with limited access to care and those experiencing self-stigma preventing help-seeking.