Reflections on Women’s Mental Health and Digital Technology On November 14th, I had the privilege of speaking at the Hera Hub DC event on women’s #mentalhealth in the digital age alongside Christina Borba and Lindsay Lieberman, Esq. and other Hera Hub members. It was both an inspiring and alarming conversation. We explored how digital technology is transforming our mental well-being—for better and for worse. As women increasingly engage with digital tools, here are three ways to enhance mental health and three ways to safeguard against digital harm: 3 Ways Digital Technology Can Improve Women’s Mental Health: 1️⃣ Access Mental Health Support Anywhere: Meditation apps or teletherapy platforms offer women accessible resources to manage stress and anxiety. 63% of women using mental health apps report improvements in well-being. 2️⃣ Foster Connections Through Online Communities: Peer-support groups and anonymous forums reduce feelings of isolation. Over 55% of women find online support networks effective for managing mental health concerns. 3️⃣ Monitor and Manage Stress: Wearables and tracking apps help identify patterns in mood and stress, empowering proactive care. 70% of women using mood-tracking apps feel more in control of their mental health. 3 Ways to Protect Yourself From Digital Harm: 1️⃣ Limit Social Media to Reduce Anxiety: Excessive screen time can amplify social comparisons and body dissatisfaction. Women who use social media for more than 2 hours daily are 2.3x more likely to experience depression. 2️⃣ Create Boundaries for Better Sleep: Avoid screens before bed to combat poor sleep quality, a leading contributor to anxiety and mood disturbances. 3️⃣ Stay Safe Online: Cyberbullying, stalking, and privacy breaches disproportionately affect women. Empower yourself with privacy settings and report abuse on digital platforms. *Statistics represent data from the United States (but the general trends are broadly informative) By leveraging the benefits and mitigating its risks, women can take charge of their mental health while staying safe online. Many thanks to Julia Westfall as always for creating a wonderful space and platform for dialogue and collective action. Let’s keep the conversation going—what strategies do you use to balance mental health and digital well-being? #MentalHealthMatters #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalWellness #HeraHubDC
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Women's mental and social health and wellbeing is an area that health.enabled is doing more research, writing, and mobilization as we evolve our work in #digitalhealth to look more broadly at #digitaldeterminants of health and technology in everyday life with a proactive focus on #equity.
Reflections on Women’s Mental Health and Digital Technology On November 14th, I had the privilege of speaking at the Hera Hub DC event on women’s #mentalhealth in the digital age alongside Christina Borba and Lindsay Lieberman, Esq. and other Hera Hub members. It was both an inspiring and alarming conversation. We explored how digital technology is transforming our mental well-being—for better and for worse. As women increasingly engage with digital tools, here are three ways to enhance mental health and three ways to safeguard against digital harm: 3 Ways Digital Technology Can Improve Women’s Mental Health: 1️⃣ Access Mental Health Support Anywhere: Meditation apps or teletherapy platforms offer women accessible resources to manage stress and anxiety. 63% of women using mental health apps report improvements in well-being. 2️⃣ Foster Connections Through Online Communities: Peer-support groups and anonymous forums reduce feelings of isolation. Over 55% of women find online support networks effective for managing mental health concerns. 3️⃣ Monitor and Manage Stress: Wearables and tracking apps help identify patterns in mood and stress, empowering proactive care. 70% of women using mood-tracking apps feel more in control of their mental health. 3 Ways to Protect Yourself From Digital Harm: 1️⃣ Limit Social Media to Reduce Anxiety: Excessive screen time can amplify social comparisons and body dissatisfaction. Women who use social media for more than 2 hours daily are 2.3x more likely to experience depression. 2️⃣ Create Boundaries for Better Sleep: Avoid screens before bed to combat poor sleep quality, a leading contributor to anxiety and mood disturbances. 3️⃣ Stay Safe Online: Cyberbullying, stalking, and privacy breaches disproportionately affect women. Empower yourself with privacy settings and report abuse on digital platforms. *Statistics represent data from the United States (but the general trends are broadly informative) By leveraging the benefits and mitigating its risks, women can take charge of their mental health while staying safe online. Many thanks to Julia Westfall as always for creating a wonderful space and platform for dialogue and collective action. Let’s keep the conversation going—what strategies do you use to balance mental health and digital well-being? #MentalHealthMatters #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalWellness #HeraHubDC
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Interesting read: Gilbert et al (July 2024) 'Digital futures in mind: Why lived experience collaboration must guide digital mental health technologies'. It's a great focus, and I enjoyed the account given by the authors of their co-authorship process, so often not included. Their conclusion: 'Our future mental health systems may become heavily integrated with digital mental health technologies. Whether this integration is positive or negative will rely, in part, on whether people with lived experience become genuine collaborators with governments, researchers and industry. Part of this collaboration should consider whether or not digital mental health technologies are the correct intervention to meet individual distress, or the social, economic and ecological drivers that give rise to it.' #mentalhealth #livedexperience #digitaltransformation #digital https://lnkd.in/gwWXvx-S
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💚Today, we join the global community in recognizing World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace", emphasizes the crucial role that our work environments play in maintaining mental well-being. Research shows that supportive workplaces can positively impact both mental health and productivity, making it essential for industries across the board to consider the well-being of their employees. In healthcare, the pressures are particularly intense, and studies suggest that burnout and stress can not only affect individuals but also the quality of care provided. Innovations in life science, such as AI-driven tools and digital solutions, are being developed to help reduce these challenges. By improving workflows and decreasing administrative burdens, these innovations aim to create healthier, more supportive work environments for healthcare professionals. As we reflect on today’s theme, let’s continue to create workplaces where mental health is valued as an integral part of overall well-being. #WorldMentalHealthDay #HealthcareInnovation #LifeScience
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🌍 On this World Mental Health Day, it’s important to reflect on how we can make mental health support more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Digital health has the potential to transform mental health care, especially in low-cost or resource-limited settings, where traditional care may not always be accessible. By harnessing technology, we can provide innovative, cost-effective solutions that bridge the gaps in mental health support. Here are a few ways digital health is making a difference: 💡 Telemedicine and Virtual Support: Digital platforms make it easier for individuals to access mental health services, regardless of location. Whether in rural areas or underserved communities, people can connect with mental health professionals through their devices, breaking down barriers of distance and stigma. 💡 Mental Health Apps: Tools like mood trackers, guided mindfulness, and self-care apps are offering individuals the ability to manage their mental health proactively. These solutions are often low-cost and available to anyone with a smartphone, making mental health care more equitable. 💡 Real-Time Support and Crisis Intervention: AI-powered tools can provide immediate, 24/7 support, offering a critical lifeline in moments of need. For communities without round-the-clock mental health services, this can be a game-changer. 💡 Scalable and Cost-Effective Solutions: Digital health platforms can be scaled to reach large populations without the high infrastructure costs typically associated with traditional healthcare systems. This is particularly impactful for low-resource settings, where budgets for mental health services are limited. By integrating technology into mental health care, we can create more accessible, affordable, and effective support systems for all. On this World Mental Health Day, let’s continue to explore how digital health can empower individuals and communities to prioritize mental well-being. #DigitalHealthSync #WorldMentalHealthDay #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealth #AccessibleHealthcare
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🌟 How is Technology Impacting Gen Z's Mental Health? A Deep Dive into the McKinsey Health Institute Survey The relationship between technology, social media, and mental health is a hot topic, especially for Generation Z. A recent McKinsey Health Institute survey of over 42,000 respondents across 26 countries provides valuable insights into this complex issue: - Challenges: Gen Z reports higher rates of mental health struggles compared to other generations - Social Media Usage: More than 75% of all age groups use social media daily, with Gen Z spending significant time on these platforms - Impact: Gen Z and millennials are more likely to report both positive and negative effects of social media on their mental well-being - Positive Aspects: Self-expression and social connectivity are the most cited benefits across all generations - Access to Resources: Gen Z is more likely to use digital wellness apps and mental health programs compared to older generations This survey highlights the importance of understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that technology presents for Gen Z's mental health. By exploring the nuances of this relationship, we can work towards creating a more supportive digital environment for young people. #GenZMentalHealth #SocialMediaImpact #TechAndWellbeing #McKinseyHealthInstitute #DigitalWellnessResourc
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Mental health is the foundation of a thriving society, influencing every aspect of our lives, from personal well-being to professional productivity. When mental health is compromised, the ripple effects are felt across families, communities, and workplaces. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. Access to education, economic stability, and supportive environments play crucial roles in maintaining good mental health. Unfortunately, socio-economic disparities, work-related stress, and lack of access to mental health services make many vulnerable to mental health issues. The global COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these challenges, as individuals across various sectors struggled with additional responsibilities, remote work, and the stress of an uncertain future. Prioritizing mental well-being benefits everyone. Healthy minds lead to stronger communities, more resilient workplaces, and better societal progress. It’s essential for governments, organizations, and communities to work together to create policies that support mental health services, reduce stigma, and provide equitable access to care for all. By fostering environments that value and support mental health, we can build stronger, healthier, and more productive societies. #ArexLabs #MentalHealth #Workplace #Challenges #priority
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In recent years, we've seen a surge in conversations surrounding mental health, yet one critical aspect often goes unnoticed: the loneliness epidemic. This silent tide affects millions, cutting across age, gender, and socioeconomic lines, and its impact on both personal well-being and professional productivity cannot be overstated. Loneliness isn't just about being alone; it's about feeling disconnected, unsupported, and isolated. In the digital age, where connections are often measured in likes and follows, the quality of our relationships has suffered, leading to an increase in loneliness. The consequences of this epidemic are profound, affecting mental and physical health and leading to increased stress levels, diminished creativity, and lower productivity. However, there's hope 🤝 As leaders, colleagues, and individuals, we can take meaningful steps to counter this trend. Here are a few strategies: 🧡 Foster inclusice work cultures: Encourage open conversations about mental health and well-being. Create spaces where employees feel valued, heard, and connected. 🧡 Promote real connections: While technology is invaluable, encourage face-to-face or voice-to-voice interactions whenever possible. Personal connections forge stronger bonds and help mitigate feelings of isolation. 🧡 Implement support systems: Whether through mentoring programs, team-building activities, or wellness initiatives, provide platforms for individuals to seek and offer support. 🧡 Lead by example: Leaders should model healthy work-life boundaries and prioritize their own mental health. This sets a tone for the entire organization. 🧡 Community engagement: Encourage and facilitate involvement in local communities and volunteer activities. Engaging with wider communities can provide a sense of purpose and belonging. The loneliness epidemic is a complex issue, but by taking collective action, we can create environments where everyone feels connected and supported. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? #HR #loneliness #leadership #community
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"𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞" | 𝐓𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 : https://lnkd.in/dcv_YcpY "The global mental health market is projected to grow from $383.31 billion in 2023 to $560.5 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.5%." Global Insight Services Mental health awareness and accessibility have become top priorities, with the mental health market undergoing a remarkable transformation. Innovations in technology are bridging gaps in mental healthcare, making therapy, self-help, and crisis support more accessible than ever before. From teletherapy and mental wellness apps to AI-driven mental health tools, digital solutions are empowering people to take charge of their well-being. This shift is critical in breaking down the stigma around mental health, encouraging people to seek help without the barriers of location, cost, or scheduling. Buy Now : https://lnkd.in/daTMHfTd The future of mental health looks brighter as companies and providers focus on creating more personalized, inclusive, and stigma-free mental health services. The mental health market is projected to grow exponentially, thanks to a rising demand for effective, digital-first solutions. Together, we are building a world where mental health care is accessible, affordable, and available to everyone in need. Let’s continue to support innovations that bring care to our communities and normalize prioritizing mental well-being. Top Keyplayers : Talkspace BetterHelp Headspace Calm Mindstrong Lyra Health Spring Health Modern Health Big Health Unmind SilverCloud® Woebot Health Thrive Global Quartet Health Joyable Meru Health #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthMarket #Teletherapy #DigitalWellness #MentalWellbeing #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthRevolution #TechForGood #SelfCare #MentalHealthSupport #AIinHealthcare #MentalWellnessApps #FutureOfHealthcare #MindfulTech
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Women's mental health is still a top concern for women at work according to a recent Deloitte's Women @ Work 2024 report. From financial security to physical health, women do not feel comfortable disclosing any of the challenges they are experiencing but more particularly mental health. On the RWL app, we have a dedicated mindset section where we have various courses on:- ➡ Stress ➡ Confidence ➡ Motivation ➡ Happiness ➡ Relationships ➡ Sleep ➡ Periods/menstruation ➡ Perimenopause & Menopause Support Group ➡ Breathing ➡ Meditation These can be worked on in your own time and we have the added support of our community where open conversations can be had relating to any of the above in a safe and secure environment. Many of our users can't believe how much these courses have impacted their wellbeing and helped them pick up when facing big challenges. If you are interested for yourself in joining the app, then click the link below as we have a seven day free trial in place at the moment, so don't miss out. https://lnkd.in/euHCcuQE And if this is something that would be useful in your workplace, drop Helen Barness a message to arrange a chat. #stressatwork #stressmanagement #stressrelief #stresssupport #mentalhealth
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Our sample size is tiny, but how powerful would this be if we had 1 million respondents? Our mission is to empower users with data, to make it powerful we need your help scaling. Let's build something better together! See our press release on the 28th for a glimpse into our Phase II Roadmap. Queryloom Happiness poll—men are reporting higher levels of unhappiness compared to women. The reasons behind this gap are varied and complex, touching on everything from societal pressures and mental health stigma to work-life balance challenges. What do you think? Why might this be happening? #happiness #Socialmedia
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