-PAVITRA V MADHAV
While traveling on public transport once, I was gazing at the mesmerizing scenery of nature. Suddenly I heard echoes of people talking about the difficult times they were facing and how life had been hard on them. The thing that led me to speculate about the conversation was, how easily and ordinarily people used the terms ‘depression’, ‘anxiety’, ’OCD’ etc. “I was so stressed due to my work, I had anxiety. The moment my boss called for me, I had a panic attack”, “I think I have OCD, I feel like cleaning my house when I see it dirty”.
Working with students’ mental health, I have observed how readily individuals draw the connection between common problems and mental illness. I frequently hear from students who are feeling too much pressure from their families and their studies. As a psychologist, I consider the pressures people encounter, the discouraging ideas they have, and how they get disinterested in pursuing their desired objectives. There is constant contemplation about how experts like us can help everyone experiencing a mental health crisis, not just these students.
We are humans, and daily, we experience certain levels of stress, worry, and apprehension about anything and everything (McLaughlin & Hatzenbuehler, 2009). For the same, we usually fixate on a coping method to overcome that stress. For some it could be talking to their partners, friends, or families, it could be a cup of tea, for some, it could be even sleeping. But what are the measures when it goes beyond a certain level? What to do when it starts hampering our daily functioning? People are usually advised to see a professional during these circumstances.
Everyone has the right to receive government-funded mental health services, according to the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 (Duffy & Kelly, 2019). However, this obligation is radically at odds with reality, particularly in India. There were just 0.3 psychiatrists per lakh individuals in India in 2014; the number of psychologists and psychiatric social workers was considerably lower, though increasing but at a very slow rate (Garg et al., 2019). Given these statistics, it seems a difficult task for us to address the needs of people with varying problems and situations at hand and then adhere them to the long-term traditional treatment plan. With the advancement in technology and industry, it is the need of the hour to investigate innovative solutions to manage mental health issues. An interesting fact that comes up while looking for innovative solutions is that when contemplating new treatment modalities, we should constantly examine how to remove obstacles to mental health and how many individuals will be able to use such therapies after they are authorized.
Technology’s ability to provide individualized and easily available solutions has revolutionized mental health care. By removing obstacles associated with stigma and distance, teletherapy and digital mental health platforms have improved the accessibility and convenience of therapy sessions. Along with the expansion and progress in technology and innovation in every sector and field, efforts are being made to popularize the same in mental health. But what pops up in my mind is “how to make technology sensitize to emotions and feelings, how a code once written can justify individual problems and mental health concerns. Behavioral patterns are analyzed and mental health crises are predicted using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, thus creating a sensitized tool for mental health.
Computer simulations can be used to initially screen out various mental health issues and problems that might be difficult or overloading for professionals. Simulations can also help raise awareness about therapy structure, plan, and progress, ultimately aiming to reduce the taboos and stereotypes associated with people going for therapy. This can also induce a positive outlook for therapy rather than people assuming and guessing that it is nothing just talking. Consuming technology for transforming traditional treatment methods like using a VR for guided imagery, guided meditation, and in-vivo exposure therapy, can be a good alternative. This can give a new outlook to our conventional methods for managing mental health issues, also taking the ledge off the professionals. Research has proven these to be more effective when used with long-established treatment plans.
Adding to the innovative solutions, culturally competent interventions and community-based initiatives that tackle issues and promote a more all-encompassing mental health treatment model can be a great advantage in addressing mental health issues. These can include peer support networks, community centers, support groups, etc. To guarantee fair access, affordability, and ethical norms in the implementation of these innovations, authorities, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities must work together to address the challenges and difficulties.
While new accessibility technologies are beneficial to people who require them, they do have the potential to alter the beliefs and mindsets of others who do not. Innovative approaches are changing the face of mental health treatment, providing hope and real advancements in tackling the complexity of mental health problems. It will be possible to create a mental health ecosystem that is more inclusive, accessible, and efficient by embracing these technologies while resolving obstacles.
– Hi, I am Pavitra V Madhav, I am a psychologist currently working with students’ mental health and researcher. I have completed my masters from NFSU, Gandhinagar, and have been trying my give my best towards mental health. For a long period of time, I have a keen interest in reading, writing, and gaining knowledge about mental health. This article encompasses my views on innovations and mental health.
Pavitra
9468585223, vpavitra2000@gmail.com
REFERENCES:
McLaughlin, K. A., & Hatzenbuehler, M. L. (2009). Stressful life events, anxiety sensitivity, and internalizing symptoms in adolescents. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 118(3), 659–669. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016499
Duffy, R. M., & Kelly, B. D. (2019). India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Content, context, controversy. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 62, 169–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2018.08.002
Garg, K., Kumar, C. N., & Chandra, P. S. (2019). Number of psychiatrists in India: Baby steps forward, but a long way to go. PubMed, 61(1), 104–105.
https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_7_18