COVID-19 And Your Mental Health: AI Chatbots, Online Counselling

There are many COVID-19 therapy helpline numbers in India. There are also online chatboats to help you survive the pandemic. Here is everything about COVID-19 and your mental health.

One of the many things the COVID-19 outbreak has made us realize is that staying at home 24 x 7 isn’t as much fun as we thought it might be. After a few days, isolating oneself from everyone else and not meeting anyone can take a toll on a person’s mental health.

Why Your Mental Health Is Important

There’s the stress of how to cater for daily groceries, how to look after parents and dependents, financial uncertainties, etc.

The lockdown also means that the options available to fight these stresses are limited. In India, visiting a mental health consultant or counselor is anyways frowned upon and considered taboo.

Some people may be uncomfortable talking about their worries with their partner because they fear that the other person may not understand their issues or hat it may add to their worries.

COVID-19 And Your Mental Health – 4 Online Resources

Thankfully, mental health services have come online. With the advent of mental health chatbots, mental healthcare tools have become more accessible. Amidst the lockdown, this has been particularly helpful.

Bots are based on Artificial Intelligence and assess questions, make sense of them and reply in clinically safe tones. Some of the best-known chatbots for mental health care during coronavirus pandemic are:

1. Wysa

Wysa is an AI chatbot that helps people figure out their feelings, overcome loneliness, feel energized and manage their moods. It uses evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques, meditation, motivational interviews, yoga, breathing exercises and micro-actions to help people build mental resilience skills.

Along with helping people talk their feelings out, Wysa also offers a number of self-care exercises that have been handpicked by therapists. Services are available in over 60 countries and have helped more than 1,700,000 people.

All Wysa chats are anonymous. While talking to a chatbot is free, some services may be offered at a premium.

Website: www.wysa.io
Download Android users click here
Download iPhone users click here

2. Woebot

Woebot is a chatbot designed to monitor moods and help people understand their emotions. It draws on the cognitive behavioral therapy framework and talks to people about their daily lives, moods and issues. In response, the chatbot sends videos and other tools that can help.

Woebot has helped a number of people fight against issues like anxiety and depression. Woebot is available on android and iOS devices but does not offer free service.

Website: www.woebot.io
Download Android users click here
Download iPhone users click here

3. TalkSpace

This app isn’t based on AI but connects people to real therapists. The TalkSpace app is available on iOS and Android devices and pairs people with therapists who can help them out. Once a person starts therapy with one therapist, they will continue to work with them every time.

Typically, therapists respond 1-2 times a day but if needed, video chats can also be scheduled. There are a number of payment plans available. Currently, because of the COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare workers can get free therapy while others can get special discounts.

Website: www.talkspace.com
Download Android users click here
Download iPhone users click here

4. YourDost

YourDost offers online counselling and emotional support connecting people to expert counsellors, psychologists, life coaches, career guides and psychotherapists. It is important to note that though the platform does connect people to rea experts, it does not consider itself to be a medical service.

The platform offers 24 x 7 support and all discussions are kept anonymous and confidential. Over 25 lakh sessions have already been conducted on the website. Some services are free while others are paid premium services.