Statistics show how more and more people are experiencing mental health problems these days. Experts say most of them are children and young adults who have had a history of school exclusion, drugs, social media, family adversity, and mentally ill parents. Given this reason, software applications, which can help those that are encountering these emotional battles, were created.
Aaron Sefi, Research and Evaluation Director at XenZone, which is a company of a free online counseling app they named Kooth, said, "Young people like the fact they can talk to a counselor either instantly, or within 10 minutes, for up to an hour in the evenings. They love that immediacy."
Since it still new in the field, these mental health apps still receives low ratings compared to how it is expected to have, according to a survey conducted that is posted in Mobi Health News. The results showed among its 186 participants, only 18 people are using the said app.
But though these mental health apps are still not as popular as other apps, an increasing number of young people are already using it, especially in Britain.
Most of these mental health apps offer features, which can effectively help its users control, express, or let go of their emotions. Kooth, for example, have features which include online counseling and "mood diaries" that enables its users to record their experiences and conditions that can trigger them to be depressed or even suicidal. Users can also access supportive text messages and video counseling that can help them feel less worthless.
Another app that can help people who do not have a healthy and emotional state is an app named Calm Harm. Effective in helping its users calm their mind from suicidal thoughts and impulse control problems, this app was launched in 2015, as posted by The Guardian.
One of the reasons why most youngsters prefer to use these mental health apps than personally visiting a doctor is that they can easily access personal advice and care without waiting for too long. They can easily find someone to help, especially during those moments they are hunted by their demons. Sefi added, "They [young adults] love that immediacy."
Furthermore, the Kooth's director added, youngsters can also keep their identities hidden with these apps. If they don't like their personal details exposed, they can choose to remain anonymous. Even their schedule in using the app, everything will be up to them.
