Technology has impacted the way we live life, and this includes the capability of accessing mental health services online. This is vital when you consider that World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 264 million suffer from depression around the world Many of them suffering from anxiety. Further research conducted by WHO has shown that 45 million people suffer from neurologic or mental health disorders all over the globe. More studies have found that between 4% and 20% of Asia’s Pacific population is suffering from a mental health disorder that can be diagnosed.
The situation has forced employers to look for innovative ways to ensure they have their workers access mental health services. The study has revealed the fact that 40% of the world’s employees have seen an improvement in their wellbeing since the onset in the covid-19 epidemic. The epidemic caused many to feel a higher level of anxiety, as well as an APAC market indexes are is higher than what the world average is of 30.5 percent, with 42.5 percent of the market being Japan and 31.6 percent for China. In order to accommodate the growing importance of having access to mental health numerous businesses have begun offering apps for mental health. They, for instance, BetterMe offer self-directed resources for mental health along with many other options for wellness. Check out this listing of advantages and disadvantages of a mental health apps for working.
The advantages to MHAs (mental health apps)
A study carried out at Monash University discovered that 76 percent of the people “would be interested to use their mobile phones to manage their own mental health, if the app were available for free.” It’s no surprise that nowadays, in the technological age MHA apps will be around for a while. There are three benefits that users can anticipate when using an MHA.
Accessibility for everyone
It’s not a secret that technology has opened up a variety of possibilities for the field of mental health services and support. Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets enable health care professionals and counselors to communicate with people in innovative ways and new channels.
One of the biggest advantages of a mental health app is their accessibility. China is a prime example. China is the most enthusiastic about the importance of technology in wellness and health, having 91% respondents believing that technology has a played a role in improving health. With the help of technology, employees can now get mental health services on their mobile.
MHAs can be a wonderful introduction to mental health particularly to those relatively new to the field. A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of traditionalface-to face therapy or are unable to pay the expenses associated with it. Others might be intimidated by the thought of seeking treatment for mental illness due to negative stigmas that surround the subject. Some people who live in rural areas may face issues with accessing services in person. Accessing the mental health resources available via personal devices allows patients to receive treatment in the comfort in their home.
Health benefits are boosted
A study carried out within the Asia-Pacific region in 2021 revealed that excessive workload and working long work hours were the most common mental health problems that occur in the workplace. It’s now more crucial than ever to make investments on their staff’s health and well-being. MHAs that are properly developed have been shown to provide a significant improvement in the mental health of users. In the year 2017, Torous and an international group of psychologists gathered data on the effectiveness of 22 mobile apps for mental health. The findings, released in the journal World Psychiatry, revealed that the apps for mental health made people feel less stressed and depressed. In addition, they found that these apps could help to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and some even assisted users quit smoking.
MHAs are an easy and effective way for employers to play their part to create an environment of health and wellness in the workplace. It lets employees know that mental health access is an important consideration and provides the ability to get the resources. The potential benefits of promoting employees’ mental health are an increase in productivity as well as a reduction in health care and disability expenses. Through encouraging employees to avail the services for mental health available through MHAs, employers can foster a an environment that is positive and that encourages employees to prosper.
Lower costs
It can be difficult to afford for those who are considering treatment for mental health issues since many people think that therapy is an expensive endeavor. Due to their lower costs applications for mental health, they could provide access to treatment more accessible. Employers who purchase bulk packs from MHAs for treatment for their employees may aid those who may not be able to pay for treatment.
Con-MHAs (mental applications for health)
The IMS health study discovered that there are over 165,000 mental health applications available in the market currently. Although these apps certainly have numerous positive qualities however, they also come with some disadvantages. These are the three most frequent negatives for apps that focus on mental health.
The lack of evidence-based effectiveness
The apps for mental health come in a variety of dimensions and shapes. Therefore, it isn’t easy in HR personnel to evaluate their effectiveness. A study by University of Liverpool revealed that there’s a dearth of research-based evidence on mental health apps in comparison to other kinds of self-help techniques.
A mental health app could allow self-guided journaling, reading about mental health and breathing exercises. Another app for mental health may only provide counseling for mental health in English. A different mental health app could provide chat-based consultations. Each app will boast its own rates of adoption and effectiveness.
How can efficacy be evaluated in the context of “mental health applications” are often not clearly defined areas of service?
Concerns surrounding privacy
Although the use of apps for mental health has risen exponentially over the last few years, there remain worries about a lack of privacy. Apps store sensitive personal data and it is crucial for app makers to discover ways to ensure privacy for users of apps. Healthcare providers are striving to overcome these obstacles: BetterMe, for example is GDPR-compliant and ISO-certified.
Services are not sufficiently only limited
Because many apps for mental health are created to appeal to an audience of all kinds They run the danger of not being appropriate for certain ailments. An app for meditation like this one, for instance, could be ideal for people who have lower amounts of stress. However, it isn’t in a position to provide much help to employees who are suffering from anxiety, burnout that is severe or anxiety. Therapy booking apps however can provide assistance to employees suffering from diagnosed mental health problems. This kind of app is unsuitable for those who just want financial guidance, life guidance or career guidance.
Services that BetterMe provides
After looking at the advantages and disadvantages of apps that help with mental health at working, it’s essential employers take their time in deciding the best app that meets the specific requirements of their employees.
The Betterme app offers innovative methods to improve your mental wellbeing and practical ways to be stronger, more focused and motivated. The users are provided with numerous tools and resources that can aid them in reaching their goals for mental health, which includes a unique, community-based approach that offers employees secure supportive, welcoming support from colleagues. Employees can make sessions with a therapist in a 1:1 format on subjects such as anxiety, finance or health, and participate in group therapy sessions as well as sharing session and have access to the self-help library and audio tools anytime they require.
