We are in the middle of a mental health crisis. More than 50% of mental illnesses remain untreated, despite worrying statistics: 1 in 5 adults suffer from some sort of mental illness and every 40 seconds, a person dies from suicide. The ramifications of this go beyond our personal lives, as mental health issues also affect our society by leading to:
- Loss of productivity
- Increased rates of incarceration
- Higher health care costs
- Loss of lives
Given the prevalence of mental health issues in adults and children, it isn’t surprising that the emotional and financial burden on individuals, their families, and society as a whole, is enormous.
Cadeon Partners With Chinook Arch Victim’s Service For Suicide Awareness Fundraiser
On April 18th, Cadeon partnered with Chinook Arch Victim’s Service, an RCMP based non-profit organization to host a fundraiser aimed at benefitting the NGO’s incredible work with suicide prevention and awareness. We understand that investing in mental health today can generate enormous returns in terms of preventing premature death and improving productivity, and it is our responsibility to turn the possibilities into reality.
Cadeon, a Calgary data analytics firm, can show you how to begin to harness your business’ largest asset: information. How to really use it versus only gathering it. The Digital Age is here and you can be distracted by competitors who are leveraging it to their advantage, or you let Cadeon help you plan and implement processes and tools to effectively harness the digital age.
How else is Cadeon using data science and AI?
4 Ways Artificial Intelligence Can Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis
Given the rising issue of mental health, researchers are testing different ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can help screen for, diagnose, and treat mental illness. From using social media to identify depression-associated language markers to parental control phone tracker apps and transformative digital behavior change programs, here’s how AI could be a powerful tool to help us solve this crisis:Professionals
1. It Can Be Used to Support Mental Health Professionals
As it does for many industries, AI can be used to help mental health professionals to do their job faster and more effectively. Professionals can use algorithms to:
- Analyze data
- Suggest possible treatment options
- Monitor a patient’s progress
- Highlight any concerns
With AI and a mental health professional working side by side, patients would be able to receive more comprehensive and quicker treatment.
2. Patients Can Get 24/7 Support
There is a shortage of mental health professionals, which means that a patient may have to wait months before receiving support or an appointment. In most cases, this could be even longer, and can lead to disastrous consequences.
With AI, patients will be able to access support all the time, day and night, without waiting for an appointment.
3. More Affordable Care
The high cost of mental health care prevents some patients from seeking the help and support they need to live happy and healthy lives. AI provides a more accessible and cost-effective solution, meaning anyone, regardless of their living situation, could access the much-needed care.
4. Greater Anonymity
The anonymity provided by an AI algorithm can be a huge positive when it comes to counselling. While it may take some time for patients to feel comfortable talking to a bot, they may find it easier to disclose certain information, rather than share the same feelings with a therapist.
Challenges Up Ahead: What We Need to Think About
There is no doubt that AI has great promise when it comes to tackling the current mental health crisis, but there are still challenges to overcome. As AI tools for mental health continue to be created, it’s crucial that protocols are put into place to make them safe, private, and effective for all patients.
Whatever the case, we need to continue to work together to create and make more accessible the critical resources required to overcome this mental health crisis, and Cadeon is proud to be part of the journey.
To find out more about other inventive ways Cadeon is using AI, contact us at(403) 475-2494 or fill out our online contact form. You can find our offices at 800 5 Ave SW Suite
