How Mental Health Care Is Changing

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duncan okoyo · Follow

4 min read · Jul 2, 2021

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Mental health is the most underfunded aspect of public health worldwide. In most countries, mental health research receives less funding than research on physical illnesses. For example, in the United Kingdom, investment in cancer research is four times higher than mental health.

In several countries, mental health allocation is less than 2% of the total health budget.

A 2020 report estimates that mental disorders affect about 1 billion people worldwide. Meaning, mental illness affects one out of four households. As a result, mental illnesses are now one of the leading causes of bad health globally.

Regrettably, More than half of those struggling never seek or get professional help.

Obstacles To Mental Health Treatment

Stigma, cost, and access are the major obstacles to treatment reaching those who need it.

Even though today the public is more aware of mental health conditions, stigma is still a reality. Words like crazy, nuts and deranged characterize those with mental health conditions.

Unfortunately, mass media is a significant enabler in this transgression. Violent characters in films are often individuals with mental illnesses. Most movies depict characters with these illnesses as psycho killers or homicidal maniacs.

For these reasons, persons suffering from such health issues fear seeking care. Fear that stems from self-stigmatizing attitude and perceived public shame.

The number of people with mental disorders continues to increase worldwide. At the same time, lack of access to care still exists; the emphasis is now on technology.

Mental Health Care And Use Of Technology

Without a doubt, technology is invaluable in our lives. On the other hand, technology is responsible for increasing mental illnesses.

Misuse of mobile devices and social media contributes to the growing cases of anxiety and depression.

Such misuse has a profound negative impact, particularly on children and teenagers. Scientific evidence shows that globally, 10–20% of teenagers suffer from mental health disorders.

But, it’s not all gloom and doom. The present technology is an essential driver in providing solutions to these challenges.

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.

Currently, about 10,000 mental health apps dispense digital solutions.

Techniques That Have Changed Mental Healthcare Sector

1.The Virtual Doctor, Telepsychiatry

Technology has made the concept of virtual intervention a reality. You can consult a health professional from the comfort of your home. Manage all appointments and consultations via phone or video teleconferencing.

This element of privacy is a great relief to individuals who do not feel at ease going to a mental health clinic.

Telepsychiatry offers better accessibility and greater convenience to patients. It minimizes that frustrating waiting time for an appointment.

Additionally, these virtual interactions are less expensive compared to clinic appointments.

2. Smartphone Applications As Tools

These mental health applications are essential tools for both patients and health care providers.

According to IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science, you have a choice of over 318,500 health-related mobile applications .

Such apps are virtual notebooks monitoring moods, behaviors, and potential trigger points.

They recommend options for dealing with mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress.

Adoption of these applications has made mental health treatment accessible and affordable.

To illustrate this, a report published in 2021 shows that an app helping patients with severe mental illness is as effective as a clinic-based intervention and at a lower cost .

Top Mental Health Applications:

· Moodify

· Talkspace

· Sanvello

· Happify

· Headspace

· CBT Self Help Guide

3. Digital Wellness Wearables

In 2018 around 20% of all adults in America used wearable technology.

Wearable technology refers to portable devices. Intelligent digital devices worn as accessories or embedded in clothing.

Wearables include digital bracelets, wristbands, headbands, and headsets. They sense and convey information on body signals.

Besides gathering and assessing information, the devices also deliver interventions. Touchpoint, Sense, and Muse headbands are some popular wearables in the market.

The Future of Mental Health Management

The direction is clear. Embracing new technology will be at the core of mental health management. Digital mental health apps and internet-based clinical interventions will continue to be indispensable, especially in countries where health services are still basic.

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duncan okoyo · Follow. 4 min read · Jul 2, 2021. -- Listen. Share. Mental health is the most underfunded aspect of public health worldwide. In most countries, mental health research receives less funding than research on physical illnesses. For example, in the United Kingdom, investment in cancer research is four times higher than mental health. In several countries, mental health allocation is less than 2% of the total health budget. A 2020 report estimates that mental disorders affect about 1 billion people worldwide. Meaning, mental illness affects one out of four households. As a result, mental illnesses are now one of the leading causes of bad health globally. Regrettably, More than half of those struggling never seek or get professional help. Obstacles To Mental Health Treatment. Stigma, cost, and access are the major obstacles to treatment reaching those who need it. Even though today the public is more aware of mental health conditions, stigma is still a reality. Words like crazy, nuts and deranged characterize those with mental health conditions. Unfortunately, mass media is a significant enabler in this transgression. Violent characters in films are often individuals with mental illnesses. Most movies depict characters with these illnesses as psycho killers or homicidal maniacs. For these reasons, persons suffering from such health issues fear seeking care. Fear that stems from self-stigmatizing attitude and perceived public shame. The number of people with mental disorders continues to increase worldwide. At the same time, lack of access to care still exists; the emphasis is now on technology. Mental Health Care And Use Of Technology. Without a doubt, technology is invaluable in our lives. On the other hand, technology is responsible for increasing mental illnesses. Misuse of mobile devices and social media contributes to the growing cases of anxiety and depression. Such misuse has a profound negative impact, particularly on children and teenagers. Scientific evidence shows that globally, 10–20% of teenagers suffer from mental health disorders. But, it’s not all gloom and doom. The present technology is an essential driver in providing solutions to these challenges. 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. Currently, about 10,000 mental health apps dispense digital solutions. Techniques That Have Changed Mental Healthcare Sector. 1.The Virtual Doctor, Telepsychiatry. Technology has made the concept of virtual intervention a reality. You can consult a health professional from the comfort of your home. Manage all appointments and consultations via phone or video teleconferencing. This element of privacy is a great relief to individuals who do not feel at ease going to a mental health clinic. Telepsychiatry offers better accessibility and greater convenience to patients. It minimizes that frustrating waiting time for an appointment. Additionally, these virtual interactions are less expensive compared to clinic appointments. 2. Smartphone Applications As Tools. These mental health applications are essential tools for both patients and health care providers. According to IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science, you have a choice of over 318,500 health-related mobile applications . Such apps are virtual notebooks monitoring moods, behaviors, and potential trigger points. They recommend options for dealing with mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Adoption of these applications has made mental health treatment accessible and affordable. To illustrate this, a report published in 2021 shows that an app helping patients with severe mental illness is as effective as a clinic-based intervention and at a lower cost . Top Mental Health Applications: · Moodify. · Talkspace. · Sanvello. · Happify. · Headspace. · CBT Self Help Guide. 3. Digital Wellness Wearables. In 2018 around 20% of all adults in America used wearable technology. Wearable technology refers to portable devices. Intelligent digital devices worn as accessories or embedded in clothing. Wearables include digital bracelets, wristbands, headbands, and headsets. They sense and convey information on body signals. Besides gathering and assessing information, the devices also deliver interventions. Touchpoint, Sense, and Muse headbands are some popular wearables in the market. The Future of Mental Health Management. The direction is clear. Embracing new technology will be at the core of mental health management. Digital mental health apps and internet-based clinical interventions will continue to be indispensable, especially in countries where health services are still basic.