Mind Mate is a platform for users to receive care and diagnosis for mental health issues with complete anonymity and from the comfort of their homes. Virtual therapist consultations, podcasts and several resources which can help the user are located within the app. This anonymity helps the users, as conversations about mental health issues are deemed taboo in several communities.
Mental health issues have risen globally, owing primarily to COVID-19. There has been an increase in the number of people experiencing mental health issues, some of whom I know personally. The significance of mental health in one’s life formed the basis for me to explore this topic. Improving mental health and working on personal well-being is an essential need. With technology becoming a more significant part of our lives, it makes sense to let it play an internal role in helping us address mental health concerns.
The scale of mental disorders in India accounts for nearly 15 percent of the global mental health burden,7.5 percent of the Indian population suffers from mental disorders and about 150 million Indians need mental health care services. Stigma associated with mental illness is a significant barrier to accessing mental health care in India.
Moreover, the high cost and limited accessibility of certain mental health apps pose a significant challenge to individuals who require mental health support but are unable to afford it. This issue is particularly acute for young adults, who make up the majority of app users but may not have the financial means or willingness to pay for these services.
As this theme was very personal, it was evident that surveys alone would not yield sufficient information. Therefore, I supplemented the online survey with interviews, asking simple questions.
