Why apps aren’t the future for mental health

Face-to-face limitations of the pandemic aside, the appeal of taking ownership of our mental health, has sparked a dramatic rise in the launch of health-related digital apps.

During Covid-19, our lives moved online. Since the pandemic struck, according to The Lancet, worldwide cases of depression and anxiety have increased by 25%.*

Paying attention to our emotional and mental wellbeing at home, and in the workplace has never been such a hot topic.

This may be why there are now over 10,000 mental health apps available to purchase and download.

Where does the data go?

Our social media feeds regularly serve us ads to a multitude of apps, each promising to help us improve our mental and physical health.

We’re told that we can access support, to monitor our mental and emotional wellbeing, via apps “anytime, anywhere”.

Meditation, financial planning, symptom tracking, it’s supposedly all there with a simple flick of a finger on your smart phone.

But just how safe is our emotional data in this digital space?

Are these apps really effective?

Have they created an opportunity, or a risk?

Does the technology stand up?

Will apps one day attempt to replace mental health professionals?

Here is our take…

Lack of testing

Given that the explosion of apps has largely occurred in recent years, it’s difficult to assess their effectiveness.

Many are not yet clinically tested, backed, or proven. That in itself places limitations on how effective anyone can say they are or to truthfully measure how much value they bring.

You can’t replace human insight

While they potentially offer a stepping stone in breaking down stigmas to mental health, they are all inherently reactive in nature and very unlikely to replace the deep insight given by mental health professionals any time soon.

In time they may prove a good support to face-to-face settings, but apps shouldn’t work in isolation.

Especially when we’re dealing with something as important as our mental health.

Accuracy

Where does a person’s emotional data actually go?

Many apps are not clinically monitored.  This isn’t necessarily an issue when you look at the more ‘light touch’ health support apps.

For example, if you want to track your daily steps, or monitor your sleep hygiene, this lack of real-time monitoring may not pose a problem.

However, what about someone in crisis, or who is struggling?  A person who, for example, might be experiencing a rapid and marked decline in their mental health?

An app may not pick up on this, and the outcome could be more serious.

Lack of accountability

When it comes to the sensitive matter of our mental state, the path of least resistance might be to avoid talking to a health professional face-to-face.

But how often do we sign up to that gym membership, or the latest app, with that initial flush of enthusiasm… and after a few weeks it sits under utilised or forgotten.

It all comes down to accountability. What’s key is that any accountability needs to be supportive and non-judgemental.

How much more effective are our gym sessions when we check in with a personal trainer or a gym buddy? Or when we are regularly monitoring and sharing our progress in a safe space?

The human touch

Every person’s story is different. When we think about our mental health, the human element is so important.

It’s critical to ensure nuances in each situation are picked up, which might otherwise be missed on an app.

The real key to success is an independent mental health support system.

One which brings together highly skilled practitioners and individuals in a reassuring, confidential setting….and ideally before, or as problems arise, rather than at the point of a potential breakdown, or after the event.

Regular, in-person consultations with an MOT style approach mitigate this risk.

AzuraMinds have an established mental health check in programme. These confidential, 50-minute one-to-one sessions, connect employees with highly experienced practitioners.

Any issues are identified in a supportive way and crucially, in real time. On neutral ground, a range of solutions are put together for a positive impact.

Sessions take place away from places of work, are paid for by employers and in total confidence.

Why is this face-to-face route effective?

Much like you would with a car or physical health, regular check ins help employees identify potential mental health issues and implement a plan of maintenance if needed.

Early intervention is pivotal to better outcomes. Once someone is in crisis, the road to recovery can take far longer and the impact on the individual and their families is far greater.

A tailored plan of action can help people and employers move towards more positive mental health, in a way that no app can.

What does the future hold?

In time it will be useful to see how the apps are tested and confidentiality is maintained, as well as seeing the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

Only then will we be able to see the value they can potentially bring.

Until then, a truly holistic, personal approach to supporting mental health is the way forward.

 Contact us to find out more

https://azuraminds.com/barriers-in-work…ce-mental-health

• Source. The Lancet.