Bouncing Forward with Bots?

I know very little about BOTS ... but I am curious about the promise and peril of AI companions in Mental Health!

Last Sunday, the Sunday Times ran a story that struck a chord with me.

"A nursing student at a Cape Town Hospital is repeatedly exposed to patients dying during night shift and must cope with this trauma while on duty. But the student's not alone: in her hand or pocket is an AI-powered mental health chatbot known as Wysa, ready to offer support."

The article quotes the student as saying, "Wysa helped me process the overwhelming emotions".

What an asset to have this Bot in such times!

Before I go further - I have never personally used Wysa.

My interest is in how digital tools like these are reshaping our relationship with mental health support, for better and for worse.

Who Created Wysa-and Who Is It For?

I believe Wysa was founded by Jo Aggarwal and Ramakant Vempati, inspired by Jo’s own struggle with depression and a desire to make mental health support more accessible and stigma-free.

Wysa isn’t just for healthcare workers. It was piloted in hospitals and used by frontline staff during the pandemic. It is now available to anyone, anywhere, via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Its reach is global, and its users span many industries.

Wysa’s mission is to provide 24/7, anonymous, evidence-based support for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood-not just those in healthcare.

Mental Health in the Workplace

This is a topic close to my heart.

Wysa’s own research highlights a striking reality:

As many as 4 in 10 employees globally suffer from symptoms of depression or anxiety, yet less than 7% access traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), often due to stigma, lack of awareness, or time constraints.

42% of Wysa users open up about declining mental health-more than those seeking formal help.

I’m curious about how digital tools can break down barriers and encourage earlier support, preventing serious issues?

The Upside: Bots as Bridges

They can offer round-the-clock support, privacy, and immediate access to evidence-based techniques like CBT. They can help users manage stress, improve sleep, and build resilience-meeting people where they are, when they need it most.

The Downside: Bots Aren’t a Panacea

Bots can’t replace the empathy or intuition of a human therapist or friend. There’s risk of over-reliance and ethical concerns about privacy and data security. We all need to be mindful of the digital footprints we leave.

The story of the nurse and Wysa is a window into the future: AI companions are here to stay.

But let’s remember, as I do in my own work providing practical techniques for people to be more resilient and #BounceForward, that true wellbeing is built on real human connection, honest conversations, and the courage to seek help, not just from bots, but from people.

#Resilience #BounceForward #HumanFirst

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