This literature review gathered information about depression or suicide awareness campaigns & summarized data on their impact & effectiveness. 43 publications that described 15 programs in 8 countries met inclusion criteria. Comparisons were difficult because of diversity in objectives, delivery methods, & evaluation. Results suggest these programs contributed to a modest improvement in public knowledge of & attitudes toward depression or suicide. Most programs did not assess the durability of the attitude changes. No study clearly demonstrated these campaigns help to increase care seeking or to decrease suicidal behaviour. Developing guidelines for the assessment of public education campaigns is essential for the sharing of knowledge among scientists & stakeholders. (78 refs.) JA