Mental illness is a widespread health issue that affects people all around the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the mental disease affects almost one in every five adults in the United States. Mental illness is a very serious health disease that can significantly impact one’s feelings, thoughts, and actions, lowering one’s entire quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization, one out of every four people will experience mental or neurological illnesses at some point during their life. As a result, quick action should be taken to manage mental health issues. As a result, mental health care technology can be a lifesaver for those suffering from mental illness.
Technology will never be able to replace face-to-face care, but it can be supplemented and strengthened.
The coronavirus epidemic has raised awareness of technology that can help alleviate many of the present limitations of the healthcare industry. This has been the case with telehealth, not only on an individual level but also on a regulatory level. We believe the same is true for mental health-related consumer electronics. Social isolation, stress, and anxiety were already escalating issues before the pandemic. Still, with increased usage of behavioural health technologies, people will have better and more accessible options for receiving the care they require.
Growing cases of mental health
According to WHO statistics, “close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year, or one person every 40 seconds.” Suicide was the leading cause of death among men aged 20 to 49 in the United Kingdom in 2018, with 6,507 deaths (11 deaths per 100,000).
According to research, people with a diagnosed mental health problem are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behaviours. However, the stigma associated with discussing mental health problems often prevents people from seeking help, resulting in an estimated 36 percent of mental health conditions going undiagnosed. Nevertheless, there is help being offered by aa healthcare software development company that offers therapies for calm with.
Students with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable, as they will be adjusting to large lifestyle changes such as living away from home for the first time. In addition, according to Time to Change, one out of every eight young people will have a mental health issue.
How has technological advancement changed healthcare?
Technological advancements in the healthcare industry have resulted in an increasing number of consumer products and services with the potential to improve wellbeing. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, social isolation, and the ensuing economic crisis, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and poor-quality sleep have become more prevalent across all demographics. By April, 45 percent of adults in the United States felt the pandemic had harmed their mental health, and the longer the crisis continues, the greater the toll.
During this era of isolation and worry, many people have resorted to smartphone apps, virtual reality experiences, and digital devices to relieve stress and find comfort. People can make progress in their health journeys from the comfort of their own homes. Such technologies can serve as a conveniently available and highly effective tool to effortlessly incorporate emotional wellbeing into daily life.
The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for new approaches to mental health that have been beneficial for the healthcare app development company. The business and our way of life are being reshaped by new habits and norms based on socially detached connections and other constraints. While traditional therapy has become more difficult to obtain, digital technology has helped to bridge the gap.
People getting inclined towards meditation and yoga through apps
The high consumer demand for meditation apps and health items is evidenced by the increasing number of people looking for them. These products employ various techniques, including biofeedback and neuro feedback, to aid with stress reduction, mood, and sleep improvement, breath management, and more.
Not only in times of crisis but also regularly, technology can assist users in identifying and regulating their emotional states. People can improve their wellness in little time throughout their usual day-to-day routines by using wellbeing solutions tailored to their various interests, hobbies, and habits. Emotional wellness products offer several benefits for addressing this large public health need, both short and long term, by generating highly personalized experiences for consumers and utilizing technologies like AI, big data, and biofeedback.
Emotional wellbeing apps aren’t meant to take the place of in-person therapy or other treatments. However, these solutions have the ability to effectively supplement in-person treatment if used correctly. This necessitates that they are fun to use and have a proven effect on the user.
The technology aims towards the betterment of general people
Many VR/AR solutions are aimed towards the general public, including new mindfulness and meditation experiences designed to help people develop their emotional resilience and deal with everyday obstacles.
Technology will never be able to replace face-to-face care, but it can be supplemented and strengthened.
How can technology help your mental health?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) have lately been employed in the medical profession to promote physical wellbeing. However, mental health still receives insufficient attention. The proper deployment of technology in the healthcare industry for mental health care can aid in the treatment of mental diseases and, as a result, improve patients’ quality of life. Let’s look at how technology can aid mental health:
AI-powered mental health
AI-powered chat bots have been created specifically to assist people in overcoming intrusive thoughts and despair. Woebot, a famous mental health chat bot, is an AI-based conversational agent that can track people’s moods and assist them in managing their mental health by altering their thinking or behaviour. This chat bot uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to recognize and eliminate negative thoughts with the help of appropriate instruction. The chat bot questions users about their daily activities and encourages them to check in every day.
VR for mental health
VR headsets are now being utilized to treat mental illnesses, thanks to an increase in VR headset producers throughout the world and their affordability. According to a report, virtual reality technology can aid in the treatment of anxiety. A start-up located in Silicon Valley makes virtual reality headsets that can help treat mental illnesses, including anxiety, fear, and despair. It does not require an internet connection and instead relies on Bluetooth capability to function. Post-traumatic Stress Problem is one mental health disorder for which psychiatrists can effectively employ virtual reality headsets to treat their patients (PTSD).
The introduction of computers for understanding vision
The University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) has created a virtual interviewer named “Ellie.” With a web camera and scanner, Ellie can scan people’s facial expressions and body postures to determine the types of inquiries to be asked. Ellie can tell what type of mental problem someone has based on the questions she is asked. Although Ellie might not operate exactly like a genuine psychiatrist, she can tremendously assist mental health professionals in dealing with their patients.
Using big data in mental health
Although there has been a rise in the usage of technologies such as AI, VR, and big data in the healthcare industry, the promise of these technologies for mental health has yet to be completely realized. Furthermore, few individuals are aware of the technical advancements in the treatment of mental illnesses. According to a recent study, the majority of persons with modest distress levels are treated by primary care physicians rather than mental health practitioners. One of the main reasons why most people do not seek treatment from mental health specialists is likely due to a lack of awareness about the mental health system.
Introduction of apps for mental peace
There are numerous apps available that can assist you in identifying the sources of stress and anxiety and improving your mental health. We’ve compiled a list of five apps that can help you improve your mental health. The Stay Alive app, a free, nationwide suicide prevention pocket resource packed with important information to help you stay safe, is included on our list. The app is supposed to be a lifeline for people in danger of suicide, and its objective is that no one should have to consider suicide alone.
Conclusion
- People may consider suicide for a variety of reasons.
- If you are concerned that someone is contemplating suicide, speak with them. Inquire about their feelings and offer to assist.
- Talking to someone about suicidal thoughts does not increase the likelihood of their taking their own life.
- You can help someone who is suicidal by listening to them without passing judgment and encouraging them to consider other options.
- You may require crisis assistance from mental health or emergency agencies.
- Assisting someone who is contemplating suicide is likely to have a significant influence on you. First, find out what kind of assistance is available to you.
Technology has introduced endless ways with the help of which the mental health of a person can be improved. If you feel that you are not feeling well mentally or a loved one is having issues, try to connect him with apps, which will keep him busy. Technology is the best friend of man, and this has been proven in the field of mental health also.
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