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I’m always pleased to see more help available for people to manage their mental health, and in the last 24 hours the government has announced boosted funding for - and extending the services offered by - a range of NZ based platforms to help us manage through the lockdown.
1/n
1/n
But there is reason to be cautious, and even a little suspicious…
First, what evidence is there for such apps? Well they’ll say that they use “proven techniques” like CBT approaches, mindfulness and other such approaches. And they do work, for some, some of the time.
2/n
First, what evidence is there for such apps? Well they’ll say that they use “proven techniques” like CBT approaches, mindfulness and other such approaches. And they do work, for some, some of the time.
2/n
But the studies that prove these techniques work measure them as applied in the context of a therapeutic relationship: between two human beings. Not a person and a digital device.
Seems obvious, but it’s the person, not the technique that really makes the difference.
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Seems obvious, but it’s the person, not the technique that really makes the difference.
3/n
Will these app’s do harm?
No, not directly. But they can lead some to feel hopeless if they engage with such tools and don’t feel better.
Especially if they struggle with depression, don’t get better, & are left thinking they’ve failed in some way.
Which is a real risk.
4/n
No, not directly. But they can lead some to feel hopeless if they engage with such tools and don’t feel better.
Especially if they struggle with depression, don’t get better, & are left thinking they’ve failed in some way.
Which is a real risk.
4/n
Even though the techniques do have value, their ability to help, even in the context of a face to face therapy is limited with more severe distress. With PTSD and depression, some mindfulness approaches aren't advised when in the midst of distress – and can even be harmful
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Why am I suspicious?
Largely because in the past such technological responses have served as a proxy for real action: a sticking plaster response.
Let’s hope in the context of the massive mental health response we are going to need, this is just the beginning.
6/n
Largely because in the past such technological responses have served as a proxy for real action: a sticking plaster response.
Let’s hope in the context of the massive mental health response we are going to need, this is just the beginning.
6/n
Because we are going to need all the tools we’ve got, but true help – professional or not – comes from a genuine connection with other human beings.
These platforms may be interactive, and they may be useful, but ultimately they’re not proven
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-019-0188-8
7/n
These platforms may be interactive, and they may be useful, but ultimately they’re not proven
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-019-0188-8
7/n
From article:
"Although some trials showed potential of apps targeting mental health symptoms, using smartphone apps as standalone psychological interventions cannot be recommended based on the current level of evidence."
8/n
"Although some trials showed potential of apps targeting mental health symptoms, using smartphone apps as standalone psychological interventions cannot be recommended based on the current level of evidence."
8/n
In a sense they’re little more than a pick a path self help book on a screen - albeit it a nice, and potentially helpful one.
So if it works: do it, and if it doesn't don't lose heart.
And of course, if you need to talk to a real person, do so and call or text 1737.
9/9
So if it works: do it, and if it doesn't don't lose heart.
And of course, if you need to talk to a real person, do so and call or text 1737.
9/9
