Mental Health in the Digital Age

Can technology be part of the solution?

Five years ago, I wrote an open letter to a friend who died of suicide. In it, I told him “I will never, ever have the right or perfect words to write for you. Everything about your death is imperfect.” I pledged to any readers that I would “listen with kindness” if they ever needed someone to talk to. It was the first time I had written publicly about mental health.

It wasn’t that I was unfamiliar with depression and mental wellness prior to his death. In fact, it was a topic all too familiar for me. By my freshman year of college, my untreated anxiety had morphed into a full-blown depression. And it would still be years (and a lot of teary phone calls to friends and family) before I found lasting treatment.

Since his death, however, I’ve noticed discussions about mental health everywhere. Mental health is increasingly a corporate priority. More than 10,000 apps exist to improve mental health and Google searches for ‘mental health’ have steadily increased over the past five years.

From July 2008 to 2009, “‘depression’ was searched for nearly as often as ‘Barack Obama’” [1]

Ever feel like this? I know I have. Check out some resources that take a more human-centered approach to mental wellness below.

Today, in the wake of yet another mass shooting, mental health is again a national headline. If you’re anything like me and my colleagues at Orderly Health, you’re wondering how you can help those in need today.

We’ve put together a short list of products that focus on improving mental health that we’re excited about. Take a look below.

1. Woebot is an AI-powered robot (you know we love those here at Orderly!) that leads users through scientifically-proven cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practices. My coworker shared this one with me today!
2. Brightside guides users through a mental health assessment and then works with you to create a care plan. Although it’s currently available only to California residents, their FAQ section is packed with incredibly helpful information about mental health and the different types of treatments out there. It’s definitely worth taking a look.
3. Learn to Live offers customized, online CBT programs that are confidential, accessible from anywhere, and completely evidence-based. Their site also has a lot of great research show about online CBT programs like theirs. Spoiler: online CBT is found to be as effective as face-to-face therapy.
4. Sondermind helps you find therapists based on your needs, book appointments, figure out what questions to ask, and understand what’s covered by your insurance. I know from personal experience how challenging and overwhelming this process can be, and that makes me all the more excited about Sondermind.

These are just a few resources among thousands. We’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Take a moment to leave us a note in the comments below!

If you or someone you love needs help now, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has resources to help: 1–800–273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Here at Orderly, we’re striving to figure out the best way get services and information to you as quickly and easily as possible. Stay tuned and we’ll continue bringing you information and services to help navigate our healthcare system.