Following two jointly implemented grants from the European Commission's health programs, we have joined the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) network. A team of authors, including Dr. Piotr Toczyski from the Maria Grzegorzewska University (APS), published the results of the EAAD intervention in the prestigious journal Nature Mental Health. 

Obtaining membership status in the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) confirms APS's commitment to implementing proven methods of combating depression in Poland and other EU countries. As the leader of the Polish Alliance Against Depression program, APS strengthens the implementation of 4-level interventions in interested local communities with its knowledge. It is a comprehensive program for the prevention of suicidal behavior and support for people with depression, which simultaneously involves general practitioners, opinion leaders, the general public, and people affected by depression and their loved ones.

The effectiveness of this model has been described in detail in the latest article in Nature Mental Health (January 2026), co-authored by Dr. Piotr Toczyski. The publication proves that systemic, multi-level actions have a real impact on improving public health.

Below is a summary of key publications and research reports:

Systemic prevention of depression (Nature): Arensman, E., et al. (including P. Toczyski). The European Alliance Against Depression approach: an evidence-based program to reduce depression and suicidal behavior. Nature Mental Health, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-025-00562-9 

Study of the mental health of Poles: Toczyski, P., Feliksiak, M. Depression Can Affect Anyone: Report on Three Waves of National Representative Survey in Poland Measured With PHQ-8. Depression and Anxiety, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2241722 

Modified EAAD-Best implementation protocol: Schnitzspahn, K., et al. (including P. Toczyski). Community-Based 4-Level Intervention Targeting Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Europe: Protocol for an Implementation Project. JMIR Research Protocols, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/64218 

Building local coalitions against depression: Toczyski, P. The Local Awareness-Raising of Public Mental Health in the Capital City of Poland through Launch of Local Alliance against Depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053892 

Mental health of Roma minority children: Toczyski, P., Siemion-Tomczak, M. Educational exclusion and mental health of Roma children in Poland: systemic problems and recommendations. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2025.2577268 

Psychosocial support for students: Toczyski, P. Barriers and opportunities of psychosocial support for student well-being at Polish universities. Psychiatria i Psychologia Kliniczna, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15557/PiPK.2024.0039 

MHPSS training for people working with refugees from Ukraine: Toczyski, P. Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Ukrainian Refugees in Poland: Implementation and Outcomes of the MHPSS Course for MHPSS Practitioners by IOM and APS. Intervention, 2024/2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/intv.intv_18_24 

Digital psychoeducation in schools: Toczyski, P. Digital cognitive-behavioral psychoeducation as a free, mass intervention that can be implemented in the offices of all school psychologists in Poland. “Problemy Opiekuńczo-Wychowawcze” [Care and Education Issues], 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0053.7504 

The implementation of EAAD research and implementation projects (together with iFightDepression) is part of APS's mission as a university responding to contemporary social challenges. Thanks to its increased presence in the EAAD structure and publications in leading journals, the results of the work translate into real support for the mental health care system in Poland and other EU countries.