Our AI writing assistant, WriteUp, can assist you in easily writing any text. Click here to experience its capabilities.

How Mental Health Care Is Changing

View Original View Raw

Summary

Mental health is one of the leading causes of bad health globally, but is severely underfunded globally in comparison to research on physical illnesses. Stigma, cost, and access are major obstacles to treatment, and technology has enabled innovative approaches that are helping to overcome these challenges. Smartphones, wearables, and telepsychiatry offer accessible, affordable, and private options for mental health care, and digital solutions are increasingly being adopted as a way to manage mental health.

Q&As

What percentage of total health budget is allocated to mental health in most countries?
In most countries, mental health allocation is less than 2% of the total health budget.

What obstacles are preventing those in need from seeking mental health treatment?
Stigma, cost, and access are the major obstacles to treatment reaching those who need it.

How is technology being used to improve mental health care?
Technology has enabled innovative approaches in the treatment of mental health. Mental health care professionals no longer restrict consultations to their physical offices. Nowadays, you can access treatment without necessarily stepping into a doctor’s clinic. Smart gadgets like phones and tablets are the new links to mental wellness. Individuals have at their disposal digital tools connecting them with healthcare providers.

What are some examples of mental health applications?
Moodify, Talkspace, Sanvello, Happify, Headspace, and CBT Self Help Guide are some examples of mental health applications.

What does the future of mental health management look like?
The future of mental health management will involve embracing new technology at its core. Digital mental health apps and internet-based clinical interventions will continue to be indispensable, especially in countries where health services are still basic.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an informative insight into the changing landscape of mental health care, and how technology can be used to create more accessible and affordable services.

👎 This article fails to address the underlying issues of stigma and lack of funding for mental health, which are the biggest obstacles to treatment for those who need it.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how mental health care is changing and how it is being impacted by technology. It talks about the obstacles to treatment, such as stigma, cost, and access, and how the use of technology is helping to overcome them. It also discusses how digital health applications and wearables are being used to help people access mental health treatment.

Friend: That's really interesting. It seems like technology is a great way to make mental health care more accessible and affordable. But, I'm also concerned about how technology might be contributing to mental health issues, especially among young people.

Me: Yeah, that's a really valid point. The article mentions that misuse of mobile devices and social media can contribute to anxiety and depression. So, it's important to be mindful of how we use technology and to be aware of its potential to cause mental health issues.

Action items

Educate yourself on the current state of mental health care and the obstacles to treatment.
Reach out to a mental health professional if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues.
Research and explore the various mental health apps and digital wellness wearables available to help manage mental health.

Technical terms

Mental Health: A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to his or her community.
Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Mass Media: A form of communication, such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet, that reaches a large audience.
Telepsychiatry: The use of telecommunication technology to provide mental health services.
Smart Gadgets: Electronic devices that are connected to the internet and can be used to access information, control other devices, and communicate with other people.
Wearable Technology: Portable electronic devices that are worn on the body and can be used to monitor and track physical activity, health, and other data.