Mental health problems are soaring alongside the cost of living crisis. With the NHS in a crisis of its own, many people are turning to technological solutions, including AI robots, therapy apps and online resources. But is this adequate to help a struggling nation?
Winter is looming – and it’s going to be colder for some than others. As British households gear up for a huge, 80 per cent rise in gas and electricity, the emotional and mental health of individuals is expected to plummet.
And it’s not made any easier by the fact that the NHS is already crippled by record demands – with some people waiting years for therapy or specialist treatment.
As we’re in the age of major technological advancements, it’s perhaps no surprise that people are wishfully looking towards AI and virtual healthcare.
Cost of living in harder times
Startling stats from QuMind reveal how 43 per cent of Brits won’t be able to enjoy Christmas this year, because they’re suffering too much from financial worry.
The data also revealed how almost 1 in 3 Brits won’t be able to travel home to visit family during the festive period, and 80 per cent are generally concerned about spending money this year.
CEO of QuMind Mark Ursell told Health Tech World: “As we move deeper into the cost-of-living crisis, we are really seeing the pressure mounting upon British families.
“It starts to inform an increasing number of decisions; from larger decisions around whether we can still afford to go on holiday, to smaller decisions around whether it is ‘cold enough’ to warrant turning the heating on. This can feel mentally exhausting. And it is harder still as families start to worry about the moments we typically look forward to.
He added: “Christmas is a cherished time of year for many Brits as we come together and celebrate with family and friends. But fears around the cost-of-living crisis mean that it is feeding the concerns of nearly half the population.
“Our research found that 52 per cent of Brits believe they will struggle to keep their homes warm over the Christmas period and 43% fear they will not be able to enjoy Christmas as much this year as they will be too concerned over costs.
“I believe that this can’t just be approached as a personal issue. It is also on retailers to ensure that the costs of this difficult climate don’t all fall to consumers.
“I hope that retailers will help to bridge the gap with their customers by providing offers and products that will help them celebrate in a more cost-effective way, so that people are still able to enjoy the season.”
Tech & AI for modern mental health support
Artificial intelligence stepping up to the job amidst a mental health crisis may have sounded far fetched, just five years ago. But as we approach 2023, it’s fair to say that consumer trust is growing more solid.
There are already AI therapists which can assist with Cognitive Behvioural Therapy, which have already been thought to alleviate pressures on the NHS.
Wysa, for example, is a known mental health AI which has been integrated into Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust services, with a £1m RCT trial being run at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Cost of living apps
James Milford, head of behavioural sciences at Wellbeing Partners, said that we are “a society already pummeled and suffering”.
He added: “The cost of living crisis hits at the fundamentals of our lives, the things that make us feel safe like food, warmth and shelter – things that seemed settled for many until recent months. The crisis – and its endless coverage in the media – is creating a huge amount of uncertainty as no one really knows how long this is going to go on for or just how much it will impact us financially.
This is having a massive impact on people’s mental health. We have not evolved to handle ongoing uncertainty very well, and as such stress, depression and anxiety are rising.
“This comes on the back of two-plus years of pandemic and global uncertainty that has already seen a massive rise in mental health issues – indeed the NHS recorded a record 4.3 million requests for mental health treatment last year.”
Tech solutions for a mental (and financial) crisis
Anton Kotelnikov, Co-founder of Afterglow, shared his insights about the use of tech as a way out of hard times. He said: “Technology has the power to do a lot of good, as we think Afterglow’s early success proves.
“With 75 per cent of people suffering from worry or stress, the app provides access to a supportive community where people can feel free to share.
“Not only do 85 per cent of users say using Afterglow app has boosted their mental wellbeing, but it also helps people to see that everyone struggles sometimes and that it’s okay to seek help – which is vitally important.
“However, please remember that when it comes to health, don’t just bet on a single algorithm, especially when treating conditions such as depression, ADHD or suicidal thoughts. Make sure to consult a doctor to come up with a product that would fit best.”
Professional supervision is a “must”
Anton added that, while they advocate for the usage of technology and online products to improve mental wellbeing, they believe it is vital to once again remind that when it comes to mental health conditions, professional supervision is a must.
He continued: “That said, there are tools that can support those seeking to improve their mental wellbeing. Previously, the market was fragmented and users were forced to switch between various solutions to access the solutions they needed.
“Many of those, such as meditation apps, required a long-term commitment for you to see the first results. Now, the Afterglow app provides a universal entry point into the space, providing free and instant access to an understanding community and the tools to help users through their struggles.”
