The Need for a Mental Health Technology Revolution in the COVID-19 Pandemic

For the Greater Good? The Devastating Ripple Effects of the Covid-19 Crisis

“…As several studies have suggested ways forward from here in terms of the economic impact ( Boone et al, 2020 ; Zetzsche, 2020 ), as well as ways to boost the human immune system in order to prevent people from getting sick ( Nilashi et al, 2020 ; Taghizadeh-Hesary and Akbari, 2020 ). In order to make sure that some of the negative mental health effects are counteracted, this calls for effective evidence-based interventions ( Wilson, 2011 ; Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ), that can be made available online and are scalable ( Schippers and Ziegler, 2019 ; de Jong et al, 2020 ). Although tele-health and video consultation can alleviate the immediate problems associated with the lock-down, ( Barsom et al, 2020 ; Zhou et al, 2020 ), there may not be enough staff to effectively treat all people that will need mental health care in the aftermath of the global lockdown ( Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ; Torales et al, 2020 ).…”

“…In order to make sure that some of the negative mental health effects are counteracted, this calls for effective evidence-based interventions ( Wilson, 2011 ; Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ), that can be made available online and are scalable ( Schippers and Ziegler, 2019 ; de Jong et al, 2020 ). Although tele-health and video consultation can alleviate the immediate problems associated with the lock-down, ( Barsom et al, 2020 ; Zhou et al, 2020 ), there may not be enough staff to effectively treat all people that will need mental health care in the aftermath of the global lockdown ( Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ; Torales et al, 2020 ). Next to giving the public more information about effective coping styles ( Ibrahimagić et al, 2020 ), an interesting avenue is to make writing interventions available to the wider public, that have proven to have many (mental) health benefits ( Lepore and Smyth, 2002 ; Schippers et al, 2015 ), as well as performance benefits ( Schippers and Ziegler, 2019 ; de Jong et al, 2020 ; Schippers et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Life crafting, or the process of reflecting and writing about present and ideal future life, also including making plans and changes accordingly, can help to restore and improve both meaning in life and psychological and physical health ( Schippers and Ziegler, 2019 ). This may be now more needed than ever ( de Jong et al, 2020 ; Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ). Digital mental health tools are a way forward in counteracting the negative mental health effects in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and investing in making these available for large groups of people in need is key ( Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ).…”

“…This may be now more needed than ever ( de Jong et al, 2020 ; Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ). Digital mental health tools are a way forward in counteracting the negative mental health effects in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and investing in making these available for large groups of people in need is key ( Figueroa and Aguilera, 2020 ). As we are arguably facing the largest humanitarian disaster in the history of mankind, caused by the lockdown measures, it is my hope that the negative side effects will, to some extent, be counteracted via smart interventions and community care.…”

H-WORK Project: Multilevel Interventions to Promote Mental Health in SMEs and Public Workplaces

“…Moreover, the substantial use of digital solutions for the promotion of well-being and mental health in the H-WORK project will bring new knowledge in this regard. Especially after the extraordinary event of the Covid-19 pandemic, this issue has taken an even more central role in the current landscape considering isolation, decreased physical activity, and increased rumination [105]. It is conceivable to imagine that organisations must tackle a great challenge in trying to preserve the health and safety of their employees and, especially in the public sector, of their customers.…”