Mental Health Awareness: How HealthTech Opens New Avenues of Support

Today is World Mental Health Day, and a perfect opportunity for us to engage in open discussions about mental health, particularly when it comes to wellbeing in the workplace. Belle About Town consulted Dr Zain Sikafi, founder of Mynurva – a platform to provide fast access to therapy or counselling as soon as it is needed. Dr Sikafi told us that professionals across the country are regularly struggling with mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression – and the number is growing. Below, he explains why, and how HealthTech can play a major role in supporting sufferers.

The Prime Minister’s 2017 ‘Thriving for Work’ report revealed that a staggering 300,000 people lose their job each year due to mental health problems. Unfortunately, this has become a pressing national problem that needs urgent attention.

Mental health is the number one cause of ill health in the UK amongst adults. However, mental health issues affect men and women differently, with some disorders more common in women than men. According to the Mental Health Foundation, in England women are more likely than men to have a common mental health problem, whilst being twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

World Mental Health Day is an important time to reflect on mental ill-health and how it impacts different segments of the population, including women in the workplace. Finding the time to access therapy and counselling services can be difficult, particularly when juggling responsibilities like looking after children and working.

Thankfully, the proliferation of smart phones and tablets means that the majority of society are now able to access and use services online in fast and efficient manner, and apps that support those suffering from mental health issues are taking advantage of this trend.

Utilising the power of the internet

Online resources can be a good place to start for those who want to find out more about mental health. The massive growth of the internet has provided effective ways of finding helpful information, promoting awareness about mental health problems and offering advice on where people can go for professional support. Engaging with online resources can help you to recognise mental health symptoms, as well as common triggers and ways to address them.

Most recently, the power of the internet was harnessed by Prince William and the mental health charity Mind, when they launched an online portal to resources that helps employers and professionals access the tools they needed to support mental wellbeing in the workplace.

Take advantage of live video counselling

Various social factors contribute to poor mental health in women, particularly as a result of balancing their traditional role in the family with their professional role. Women are often the carers in their family, looking after the health and needs of dependents, partners and parents.

Unfortunately, this important role contributes to greater instances of anxiety or depression. According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in four women will require treatment for depression at some time, compared with one in 10 men.

Symptoms of poor mental health also commonly arise after the birth of a child, with many mothers suffering from post-natal depression. In fact, post-natal depression is believed to affect between 8-15% of women according to the Mental Health Foundation.

Working mothers therefore face the added burden of juggling both their career and their responsibilities as a parent – adding significant stress to their daily lives and often culminating in feelings of anxiety or depression.

 Many women are hesitant about speaking out about their struggles, for fear of their families finding out, or that it might have negative repercussions on their career prospects. Furthermore, when balancing numerous responsibilities, many women simply can’t find the time to physically go to speak to a GP or healthcare professional about their mental health issues.

Luckily, HealthTech solutions like live video counselling provide accessible and confidential options for those in need of professional help. Services like Mynurva offer discreet counselling via a live video call. Through these new digital services, working women can now access support discreetly and from the comfort of their own home, which is particularly helpful for working women who struggle to see a therapist – or cannot access professional support outside of traditional working hours.

 The rise of digital innovations has been a game-changer for many women struggling with mental health issues, giving working women access to the support tools that they desperately need. Particularly for women juggling multiple roles and the pressure and stress that comes with them, HealthTech solutions can provide a much-needed release and encourage people to take the time to address their mental health issues.

• Having worked as a GP for several years, Dr Zain Sikafi founded Mynurva to improve access to mental health support. Mynurva provides fast access to therapy or counselling, confidentially, securely and discreetly, via its live video platform. There are no waiting rooms, no travelling is required, and the service is confidential, discrete and secure.