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How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

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Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#11

Post by hliyan »

azinman2 wrote: post #9
hliyan wrote: post #5

Coincidentally, just the other day I was looking in the PlayStore for apps that dispense small 1-4 sentence quanta of mood-altering advice based on the user's reported state of mind. I couldn't find any. I'm considering writing something simple of this nature. Question: does such a thing exist and if not, is it a worthwhile exercise at all?

Look at ginger.io -- their cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to be statistically significant. It's what you're looking for either now or in a future version of their app.

That seems interesting. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to allow individual signups https://ginger.io/for-individuals/#getinvolved

Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#13

Post by hightechlowlife »

doomrobo wrote: post #6
hightechlowlife wrote: post #3

"For me, depression is caused by a lack of productivity". It is beyond me that such a statement can be expressed seriously. I strongly suggest the author look beyond "I'm not working hard enough" as the key reason for his mental illness.

They might mean to say that it's worsened when they're not busy with something. Actively working on a task that one finds rewarding can definitely help with depression.

Sure, but from reading the article it seems that social isolation as a matter of lifestyle is the elephant in the room. If he has to be held accountable through an app, it would suggest that there's no people present throughout the day to hold him accountable.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but it's less absurd than assuming we just need a whip when we're down. This isn't an unemployed person feeling like they're not contributing. It's more like: "If I can just never be unproductive, I'll be happy"...

Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#14

Post by continents »

Thanks for the article! Our team (Iodine) is actually doing something similar specifically for people taking antidepressants, so it's cool to see that one of your top priorities is taking your meds on time every day.

One of the main reasons we created our app, Start, is because a lot of people aren't getting enough support or info (whether from their doctors, friends or online) about how they're doing. It's super important for people to feel empowered and have the right tools to get better. Our app has daily pill reminders and check-ins to help people track their mood and how their (custom) goals and issues are holding up. Then every 2 weeks they get a progress report so they can see how they've been doing.

We're inspired by your idea and would love feedback on our app as well – you can check it out here: www.iodine.com/start. You can reach us directly at start@iodine.com :)

Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#15

Post by chvid »

et2o wrote: post #4

This is really cool and a great idea! Do you know any psychiatrists who could help you come up with a really good list of questions to ask and things to track? I'm just a medical student but I could probably put you in touch with a good one or help you come up with questions. Basically my thoughts are that we have some reliable screening tools for depression that have been evaluated for specificity and sensitivity...…

Agreed - this is a great idea; I would try and keep it simple though. Just have an app that recorded psychological health indicators with the diagnosis and treatment left out.

There are so many approaches in psychology that with settling one particular would narrow the audience too much.

Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#16

Post by weee_username »

I like this approach, and am also relieved it's part of an overall strategy that included professional help.

Depression has caused serious damage to my relationships -- it causes me to experience apathy towards those I care about, irritability, aggression and self-harm. I would throw myself into my work and constantly shifting hobbies, basically anything where I didn't have the time to think about other things.

These symptoms, apparently, are fairly common in men who are experiencing depression and one of the reasons it can go undiagnosed.

Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#17

Post by hightechlowlife »

hliyan wrote: post #10
hightechlowlife wrote: post #3

"For me, depression is caused by a lack of productivity". It is beyond me that such a statement can be expressed seriously. I strongly suggest the author look beyond "I'm not working hard enough" as the key reason for his mental illness.

With respect, I think we should take the patient point of view more seriously than our own (us not having examined the patient or more damningly, not having any training in psychiatry). Lack of productivity can on occasion lead to a feeling of worthlessness which can exacerbate depression.

It's true, I'm not a psychiatrist and don't know him. It's also obvious that achieving things helps us feel better. I'm trying to suggest that, instead of focusing on productivity as the final solution and trying to hack it into his life, perhaps look at the factors causing his difficulties. For example, the fact that he works alone, or does a sedentary job -- both of which are massive risk factors for depression.

Re: How I’m Handling My Depression Using an App

#19

Post by hliyan »

hightechlowlife wrote: post #17
hliyan wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

With respect, I think we should take the patient point of view more seriously than our own (us not having examined the patient or more damningly, not having any training in psychiatry). Lack of productivity can on occasion lead to a feeling of worthlessness which can exacerbate depression.

It's true, I'm not a psychiatrist and don't know him. It's also obvious that achieving things helps us feel better. I'm trying to suggest that, instead of focusing on productivity as the final solution and trying to hack it into his life, perhaps look at the factors causing his difficulties. For example, the fact that he works alone, or does a sedentary job -- both of which are massive risk factors for depression.

Point taken and agreed. Thanks for rephrasing.
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