JUST a day after New Year’s Day, Matt (not his real name) deliberately swallowed 26 anti-depressant pills and “overslept.” He overdosed himself and blood pressure and oxygen levels dropped to criti-cal, near-death levels.
And he would have died, if it were not a timely visit from his father who saw his son “pale gray and cold.” The boy was diagnosed to be bi-polar and was receiving treatment for depression. He had kept these prescription anti-depressants for a while—saving 26 pills—corresponding to this age and took them on his birthday.
The young man, an excellent and passionate gamer, was “compensating” (a mental health term, according to the a research filed at the American National Library of Medicine is to “make up for” a perceived weakness or inadequacy in one area of their life by overachieving in another area) with his “hip and cool” gaming identity.
Interestingly, it is also in this gaming platform where he was introduced to apps and other digital tools to help him fight his overthinking and chronic anxieties. Apparently, a lot of players in these role-playing games (RPG) are affected in one way or another with some mental health issue. In a Discord group the young man revealed that group of players became a team called “LATNEM” (‘mental’ spelled backwards) and they were both feared and revered.
Digitalization in mental health
The rise of mobile applications and technology in mental health care has transformed how individu-als seek support and manage their mental well-being. With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues worldwide, over a billion people, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 2022 Mental Health Report.
One of the key recommendations of the WHO study ‘Guiding Principles for Mental Health Content’, is the integration of digital solutions into existing mental health frameworks to enhance service delivery and accessibility. That report released in February 2024 is focused on developing online mental health content for young people. This initiative underscores the role of technology in reaching younger demographics effectively. these digital tools offer a promising avenue for intervention, par-ticularly for those who may face barriers to traditional therapy.
Matt, who overdosed himself, in attempt to “end it all,” admitted to his parents that his Discord group was discouraging him to take that path. And later his doctor told his parents that he was ‘un-stable’ yet was somehow given a ‘balance’ by the constant online communications with his team members—all but one of them located in countries in the Atlantic Coast.
Can mobile apps for mental health save lives?
Mobile apps provide immediate access to mental health resources, allowing users to engage with therapeutic content anytime and anywhere. Dr. Melissa A. Alcazaren, Ph.D., Program Chair of the Psychology Dept. at the Philippine Women’s University agrees.
“Yes, using mobile apps will be a quick way for individuals to know what’s going on with them; their go-to for emergencies,” Dr. Alcazaren said, praising how free apps ‘would lessen one’s finan-cial concern’ for getting access to mental health treatment—whether this be a full app-based inter-vention or a person on the other line available to talk. Many apps are free or low-cost, making them an attractive option for individuals seeking help without the financial burden associated with tradi-tional therapy.
This accessibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who may experience anxiety about attend-ing in-person therapy sessions or those living in remote areas with limited access to mental health professionals. Dr. Alcazaren however prefers that mental health professionals consider developing advocacies to help those needing understanding and treatment encouraging that “going to remote areas to give assistance for mental health concerns should become a protocol.
Effectiveness of mental health apps
Research by American National Mental Health Association reveals the effectiveness of various men-tal health apps, particularly those utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, mood monitoring, and mindfulness training. A meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials indicated that mobile apps could alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially among individuals with mild to moderate conditions.
“Digital tools, including apps and online sessions, are effective as long as these are properly man-aged. Nevertheless, I am still for a face-to-face therapy session, or even just for quick checks on a person’s issues affecting behavior,” she points out, suggesting that while these tools can be help-ful, they may not replace traditional therapeutic interventions for more severe cases.
Despite the promising results from some studies, skepticism remains regarding the efficacy of men-tal health apps. A comprehensive review highlighted that many apps lack rigorous scientific valida-tion, with less than 5 percent having been studied for efficacy. This raises concerns about the safety and reliability of certain applications, emphasizing the need for users to choose evidence-based op-tions.
Can AI help?
Artificial intelligence seems to have the greatest potential in mental health care. Woebot Health for example, integrates of features such as chatbots and AI-driven support systems, and has proven to help people with substance dependence. Wysa, mental health app offers personalized feedback and guidance, further enhancing user experience and outcomes. Happify is said to relieve stress and makes users think more positively.
Apps driven by AI however are almost always never free. Or have a trial period that hooks users into subscribing.
Even in the advent of AI and mental health apps, Dr Alcazaren still opines that “face-to-face sessions are always better.” She adds that apps are a one-way solution, similar to a self-help plan but stress-es that “both verbal and non-verbal matters are important in ‘analyzing’ the individual’s behavior.”
As to the stigma of mental health and privacy she has stern but practical advice.
“Getting professional help is already a stigma to begin with. Just like in school, the guidance office is not always a ‘safe place’ as perceived by students.”
