Technology And Its Role
“Technology does not replace human
compassion or courage, it magnifies it”
(CAPPELLO, 2019)
Interest in technology as a means to access and improve mental health services has increased over the past decade. Adults, youth, and even children are encountering and relying on technology for multiple aspects of their lives. Personally, professionally and in academic settings, the use of technology has provided a number of benefits if used appropriately. Firstly, all students must be taught to use technology safely.
Technology has allowed individuals to learn material that was very difficult to access in the past. In an educational setting, technology can be used to research and inform students. For example, educators can use technology to gain access to information about intergenerational trauma. Findings from this research can be implemented in class lessons and activities. The use of technology creates a connection between educators, students, and, Indigenous victims of cultural genocide.
Additionally, technology can be used to create blogs, videos, pictures, and art. As a means of expression, digital technology can assist students and individuals in creating writing pieces, videos, and digital artifacts. With the use of particular programs such as Paint or Canva, information can be fused with art as a form of expression. Examples of these activities can be found under the Classroom Activity tab on this website (see Indigenous Infographic Activity and Indigenous Digital Artifact Activity).
Teaching youth to utilize the technology around them to stay organized and develop transferable skills for employment can be useful for their future. For example, teaching them how to properly and effectively use the calendar option on a cell phone, personal computer, or tablet can help them stay organized and meet deadlines. Educators can also provide guidance and access to tools or resources that will cater to these students' needs. Students who learn what resources are available through technology, such as employment websites, online tutoring, and more, can inform youth of services that they can utilize.
Technology can also be used to foster a connection with others. While doing this, the youth should exercise caution for safety reasons; however, with the knowledge and guidance of a trusting educator or adult, students can locate and network to support systems. For example, the youth can seek online forums from others who have had similar experiences to help them learn and be prepared. There are several resources available that are available online to help children, youth, and adults with mental health issues with connections to counsellors and mental health centers.
Connection to mental health support networks and treatment is now easier to access as a result of technology advancement:
Internet-based treatment:
Internet-based treatment is typically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, otherwise called ‘iCBT,’ is delivered through an online platform. In most cases, this method of therapy is encapsulated in an online learning module via websites. In other circumstances, the client has direct contact with a support person who will direct the therapy process. For example, the iCBT based program called Panoply, utilizes a peer-to-peer support system for CBT treatment. Users share recent stressors along with negative thoughts, accompany these stressors, and qualified peers (who have received online training) challenge the user’s negative thoughts. Qualified peers offer support, connection, and assist users in identifying distortions and reframing these negative thoughts.
iCBT is thought to have considerable benefits over the traditional, face-to-face method of psychotherapy. This treatment method is convenient, accessible, and can be utilized at any location with the internet, including the comfort of their home. Allowing for treatment to be completed online, mental health centers that are overcrowded and lack the resources to serve everyone who needs it, can refer patients to iCBT and make space for other patients. Additionally, internet-based treatment CBT has research that indicates it is an effective therapy for numerous mental health disorders, including depression, phobias, panic disorders and more. These mental health disorders can stem from a dysfunctional family life, which may be attributed to intergenerational trauma.
The report prepared by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2014 indicates that the opportunity exists for First Nations/Inuit/Métis (FNIM) populations to create peer support networks, computerized interventions, and therapies that specifically take culture into account, rather than using mainstream solutions. The report states that the current challenge is to provide sufficient broadband capacity for communities in the rural, remote areas where FNIM populations reside. However, some computer-guided interventions can be delivered via stand-alone software and do not require Internet access. Through workstations based at clinics or on patients’ own computers, independent software interventions have the potential to bring next-generation treatments to rural, remote, and northern populations.
Telemental Health:
Telemental health is a method of psychotherapy that is delivered using secure synchronous online video conferencing. Telemental health, also referred to as telehealth, can be used to assess and provide clients with intervention services. Consultation, support and treatments are delivered using this method. Unlike iCBT, this method of treatment requires a trained professional to provide service via secure video conferencing. However, similar to iCBT, TeleMental Health can be accessed from any location with sufficient internet service. Additionally, it provides convenience so patients do not need to commute to therapy. It also gives patients flexibility for therapy for those who may not work traditional working hours.
The Impact of Technology on Teens | El Camino Health. (2018).
Beneficial Mental Health Apps.
While technology can be beneficial, it can have a real impact on our well-being. As teachers, we have to be mindful of the content of the technology incorporated in our lessons and activities. Being aware will prevent retraumatization of our students. Educators need to find the right balance of delivering the curriculum expectations using digitals tools (videos, communication platforms, social media, etc.) while minimizing harm to students. Technology can improve health and well-being. Websites like mindcheck.ca and mindyourmind.ca, along with apps like MindShift, MoodFX, and BoosterBuddy, can help students learn about their health problems, monitor symptoms, and practice self-help strategies.
Technology should not replace the need for human interaction during the process of trauma recovery but should be designed to increase human connection and empower individuals and mental health professionals to more effectively support traumatized individuals and communities (Ruzek, & Yeager, 2017).
Mental Health Apps
notOK
Suicide Prevention App: when users hit the digital panic button, a message along with their current GPS location is sent to their contacts.
Mind Shift
Rather than trying to avoid anxious feelings, Mind Shift stresses the importance of changing how you think about anxiety.
What's Up
Uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods to help you cope with Depression, Anxiety, & Stress.
Quit That!
Whether you’re looking to stop drinking alcohol, quit smoking, or stop taking drugs, it’s the perfect recovery tool to track and monitor your progress.
References
BC, CMHA. Wellness Module 10: Staying Mentally Healthy with Technology. Retrieved from
CAPPELLO, D. (2019). Using Technology to Prevent ACEs and Childhood Trauma [Blog]. Retrieved
from https://www.acesconnection.com/blog/using-technology-to-prevent-aces-and-childhood-trauma
E-Mental Health in Canada: Transforming the Mental Health System Using Technology. (2014). Ottawa, ON: Mental
Health Commission of Canada. Retrieved from:http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Ruzek, J. I., & Yeager, C. M. (2017). Internet and mobile technologies: addressing the mental health of trauma survivors in less-resourced communities. Global mental health (Cambridge, England), 4, e16.
https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2017.11
Truschel, J. (2020, March 19). Top 25 Mental Health Apps for 2020: An Alternative to Therapy? Retrieved from
https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps/
The Impact of Technology on Teens | El Camino Health. (2018). [Video]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/TYX8B122EmU
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. AADA Reviewed Mental Health Apps. Available at: https://adaa.org/finding-help/mobile-apps
These apps also allow for privacy and confidentiality and can be a safe space for students who may be too ashamed to admit their mental health issues or feel that they will be negatively labelled or stigmatized by others