July 2020 TOM

These 5 apps can help if you’re suffering from drug addiction

These 5 apps can help if you’re suffering from drug addiction

"The stigma surrounding drug abuse makes it harder for people to open up about their issues. Consequently, those suffering from the illness often feel shame and struggle to find help."

These five apps are designed to increase addiction support services accessibility and break down barriers to care.

New Apps Help People with Addictions

New Apps Help People with Addictions

As part of “mobile health,” apps are incorporating traditional techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to assist people who use substances.

“These apps do seem to reinforce folks staying in treatment or helping them connect.”

Technology’s role in fighting drug addiction

Technology’s role in fighting drug addiction

“One of the difficulties facing recovering addicts is that once they’ve completed a course of structured rehabilitation, they often do not receive the vital comprehensive aftercare that is required to continue their healthy recovery. … The increasing personalization of technology and our ability to share and analyze large quantities of data are helping to uncover new solutions to helping addicts through the treatment and recovery process.”

How Virtual Therapy Apps Are Trying To Disrupt The Mental Health Industry

How Virtual Therapy Apps Are Trying To Disrupt The Mental Health Industry

The use of virtual therapy is growing in popularity, due to decreased stigma, availability in places where in-person services are few, and scheduling convenience. There are pluses and minuses to everything, and it may not be right for all situations. This article does a great job teasing out the pros and cons.

Wearable Technology For Mental Health

Wearable Technology For Mental Health

Wearable devices such as smartwatches, with their ability to monitor heart rate and other metrics, are now being used to help users engage in helpful activities when a negative indicator is detected. Empowering users to self-manage and use self-assessment tools is reaching students who may otherwise not seek help due to stigma.

TikTok collaborates with SPIF to launch mental health awareness campaign

TikTok collaborates with SPIF to launch mental health awareness campaign

A social media hashtag campaign is doing more than raising awareness. It's teaching users how to spot suicidal tendencies in others, so those in need can receive assistance and referrals.

"This initiative is aimed at mobilising the online community to play a part in preventing individuals from doing self-harm.

How digital technology can reduce mental illness stigma

How digital technology can reduce mental illness stigma

“Stigma in health care is automatic. It is embedded within the fabric of the system. … Digital technologies, including social media platforms, provide opportunities to include people affected by mental health stigma in new solutions to address it.”

3-Digit National Suicide Hotline Number Could Double Calls, Reduce Stigma

3-Digit National Suicide Hotline Number Could Double Calls, Reduce Stigma

Even useful existing services can be improved to reach more people and normalize seeking help.

"We have a three-digit number for medical emergencies. … If we had one for psychological emergencies, people would know that they're real.”

How TikTok is Urging Indians to Bust Stigmas on Mental Health

How TikTok is Urging Indians to Bust Stigmas on Mental Health

“Till a few years ago, even admitting that you have a mental illness could turn you into a social pariah, only meant to be ridiculed and isolated.”

People are now using digital apps to break those stigmas, opening up about their struggles, and sharing coping tips with each other.

Technology's role in tackling the global mental health crisis

Technology's role in tackling the global mental health crisis

Digital health is helping many overcome obstacles related to resources and stigma in accessing mental health care, and also allowing more community partner involvement.

“[It’s] empowering people to be able to take control over their mental health needs through the digital route and connecting people with lived experiences.”