New mental health apps to navigate through hardships

Mar 29, 2024 | Books, Business

MAINZ, Germany – March 28, 2024 – PRLog — The 6-year-long research project DynaMORE – funded by the European research program “Horizon 2020” and coordinated by the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research in Mainz  – has now come to an end. The DynaMORE consortium developed mathematical computer models to determine and strengthen psychological resilience and two apps that successfully provided psychological support to young people in daily life ‘just-in-time’, i.e. precisely when a stressful situation arose. In the digital age, this is a huge breakthrough to make us more resilient to daily stressors and stay mentally stable during a crisis. It is also a big step towards mental health apps that may soon be adaptable to individual needs.

Six years of intensive collaboration between 17 leading research institutes, universities, and companies in Europe and Israel as part of the DynaMORE project have provided crucial insights into how digital tools can help maintain a healthy psyche. Key technological breakthroughs of DynaMORE are two new mobile health apps, ‘ReApp’ and ‘Imager’, for young adults (Marciniak et al. 2023a and Marciniak et al. 2023b) and the successful implementation of ‘Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions’ (JITAIs), i.e. targeted psychological interventions exactly when they are needed. Not only a global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, but also everyday stressors such as constant time pressure at work, upcoming exams, or arguments with your partner can, if they occur frequently, cause serious mental illness. By measuring physiological stress states with a smartwatch and linking them to simultaneous smartphone data, the DynaMORE team was able to apply individually adaptive interventions to strengthen the mental health of students in everyday life – taking into account each person’s individual needs (source: Bögemann et al. 2023a).

“Every person is different. Technology must adapt to the individual, not the other way around. In the future, personalized mental health apps will support us in our everyday lives – for example, to cope better with daily stressors or navigate through a crisis more healthily.” – Prof. Dr Raffael Kalisch

Researchers from 6 countries (Belgium, Germany, Israel, Poland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) worked on the DynaMORE project from the beginning of April 2018 to the end of March 2024 to identify resilience factors that strengthen the psyche (sources: Veer et al. 2021 and Schäfer et al. 2022) and develop well-targeted, individualized interventions in everyday life. The scientific results of the international research project have been published in more than 40 scientific papers. These include groundbreaking methodological publications on the quantification and modeling of resilience (Kalisch et al. 2021, Köber et al. 2022, and Petri-Romão et al. 2024), the central observation protocol of the so-called ‘DynaM-OBS’ study (Wackerhagen et al. 2023), the worldwide DynaCORE-C studies on the psychological resilience and mental health of young people during the COVID-19 crisis – in which almost 16,000 people participated in 20 different languages (Veer et al. 2021 und Bögemann et al. 2023b), and the aforementioned mobile health intervention study ‘DynaM-INT’ (Bögemann et al. 2023a).

Above all, the DynaMORE project has proven that the tendency to perceive challenging situations positively – in other words, a positive appraisal style (PAS) – is healthy and promotes psychological resilience; PAS helps people recover more quickly from the effects of an acute stressor, and this appears to make them more stable during hard times. Humans are also extremely social creatures. It is therefore not surprising that an individual’s social network and positively perceived support from family, friends, and colleagues have also been demonstrated to be essential for resilience. Importantly, social support is good for resilience because it strengthens PAS. So, PAS seems to be a key to mental health.

During the last General Assembly of the DynaMORE consortium in Warsaw, Poland, from March 6th to 8th 2024, final results were presented and future collaborations planned. Some follow-up projects have already received funding and will continue to strengthen the mental health of young Europeans and, of course, relieve the financial burden on national healthcare systems.

Project Website
https://dynamore-project.eu

Coordinating Institution
https://lir-mainz.de

References
Bögemann et al. 2023a: https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01249-5
Bögemann et al. 2023b: https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e46518
Kalisch et al. 2021: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710493/full
Köber et al. 2022: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-11650-6
Marciniak et al. 2023a: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/u4f5e
Marciniak et al. 2023b: https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12505
Petri-Romão et al. 2024: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/58ft9
Schäfer et al. 2022: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1364-6613%2822%2900238-8
Veer et al. 2021: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-01150-4
Wackerhagen et al 2023: https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e39817

Social Media
https://twitter.com/DynaMORE_H2020
https://www.facebook.com/DynaMOREproject
https://www.instagram.com/dynamore_project
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO8jG2hfQd33BOtZ4X4oBetGBXx2P3h_0

Contact
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Raffael Kalisch
Scientific Coordination
Raffael.Kalisch@lir-mainz.de

INTRESA
Public Relations
rkalisch@uni-mainz.de

Nina Donner, PhD
Science Communication
nina.donner@concentris.de

Funding
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 777084. This press release reflects only the authors’ view and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Reproduction is permitted provided the source is acknowledged.

Mental Wellness Leader Dr. Lena G. Clark Takes Helm as CEO of T-Medical Group Inc.

Jan 25, 2024 | Business

 T-Medical Group Inc., a rapidly growing medical technology holding company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Lena G. Clark as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Dr. Clark, a renowned advocate for mental well-being and seasoned business leader, brings a unique perspective and wealth of experience to T-Medical Group, poised to propel the company towards its ambitious goals in the healthcare technology space.

A recognized expert in mental health, Dr. Clark has dedicated over two decades to empowering individuals and transforming mindsets. Through her company, Miracle Mind Global, LLC, she built a platform centered on personal and professional growth, inspiring clients to take charge of their mental well-being and reach their full potential. Dr. Clark is a passionate advocate for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and champions the importance of seeking support without shame.

Beyond her profession, Dr. Clark’s entrepreneurial spirit and extensive knowledge make her uniquely suited to guide T-Medical Group’s investments in innovative technologies that improve both client outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. Her understanding of mental health, clinical and business sides of healthcare will be invaluable as she steers the company towards its ambitious goals.

“Dr. Clark is an exceptional leader with a rare combination of business acumen and an unwavering commitment to improving lives,” said the Chairman of the Board of Directors at T-Medical Group Inc. “Her diverse expertise, strategic vision, and passion for healthcare innovation make her the ideal candidate to steer our company towards a future of groundbreaking technologies and impactful initiatives.”

Dr. Clark joins T-Medical Group with a clear vision for the future. “I’m honored to lead this dynamic organization and believe T-Medical Group holds the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered,” she stated. “By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, we will not only advance mental health access and care but also contribute to broader healthcare advancements that benefit communities around the globe.”

About T-Medical Group Inc.
T-Medical Group Inc. is a medical technology holding company dedicated to acquiring and developing innovative companies that improve healthcare efficiency, profitability, and patient outcomes. By focusing on technologies that streamline processes, enhance diagnoses, and personalize treatment plans, T-Medical Group is pioneering a future of more accessible, affordable, and effective healthcare for all.

Media Contact:
Ashley Toro
Manager
Info@t-medicalgroup.com

T-medical Group
Dominick Bianco
800-671-8076
www.t-medicalgroup.com/index.html

ContactContact

Categories

  • Business
  • Medical & Health
  • Personnel Announcements
  • Technology
  • Women in Business

Mental Health Clinician Writes Book Targeting Stigmas and Taboos in the Black Community

Dec 9, 2023 | Business

 In a society where mental health is gaining well-deserved recognition, Marisha Mathis is proud to announce the release of her groundbreaking book, “Big Mama Was Wrong: Embracing the Growth in Awareness.”

Mental health is critical to overall well-being, yet stigma and misinformation often surround the topic. “Big Mama Was Wrong” is a compassionate and insightful guide that aims to shatter these barriers along with myths, providing readers with areas to contemplate and examine to grow beyond mental health and develop other areas of their lives such as communication and safe spaces.

Marisha tackles a range of topics, from anxiety and depression to communication, shame, and resilience. The book delves into cultural shared experiences.

“Big Mama Was Wrong” goes beyond mental health, encouraging open and tough conversations and fostering a sense of community. With practical tips and resources, the book empowers readers to take control of their well-being and provides a toolkit for supporting others.

Marisha’s book is a timely and much-needed contribution to the ongoing dialogue around the stigmas and obstacles in the Black community. It combines personal insight with professional expertise, creating a resource that is both relatable and informative.

Key Features of “Big Mama Was Wrong: Embracing the Growth in Awareness”:

1. Personal Stories: Real-life narratives from Marisha
2. Expert Insights: Evidence-based information and practical advice.
3. Actionable Strategies: Practical tips and exercises to help readers manage their mental health, grow, and support others.
4. Community Building: Encouragement to foster open conversations, reduce the stigma, and embrace readily available growth

Marisha] invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empathy, creating a world where all embrace and understand mental health and other long-standing needs.

The book is now available for pre-order at online retailers. For more information about “Big Mama Was Wrong: Embracing the Growth in Awareness” and Marisha Mathis, please visit www.callmerisha.com or contact the author at contact@callmerisha.com.

Title: Big Mama Was Wrong: Embracing the Growth in Awareness

Author: Marisha Mathis

Release Date: December 13, 2023

Contact: Marisha Mathis
Contact@callmerisha.com
(919) 824-6016

Marisha Mathis
Marisha Mathis
(919) 824-6016
www.callmerisha.com

ContactContact

Categories

  • African American

EaseCARE: Breaking Down Mental Health Barriers with Affordable, In-Home Mental Health Support and Tailored Programs

Sep 2, 2023 | Business

 In a world where 13% of the population grapples with mental illness and nearly 8 million lives are lost each year due to these challenges, accessibility and affordability have posed significant barriers to mental health support for many individuals [1]. The situation is worse for people living in Canada, as the average patient appointment wait time to receive care from a mental health specialist in 2022 is 26 days [2]. Despite this digital age, certain communities, such as Indigenous youth of Canada, face unique challenges. They tragically experience suicide rates six times higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts, underscoring the importance of tailored mental health support for these vulnerable populations [3]. However, a potential solution is emerging, driven by the accelerated adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. EaseCARE Medical, a subsidiary of the innovative CareGroup, is transforming mental healthcare in Canada. Through seamless integration of advanced MedTech with a diverse range of mental health professionals, EaseCARE is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable support for all residents of Canada. “Empathy serves as our guiding principle at EaseCARE. Beyond providing a mere service, EaseCARE Medical is dedicated to crafting a compassionate and understanding environment for those in need. The company has assisted over 10,000 individuals in navigating their mental health challenges,” emphasizes Ray Yue, CEO of CareGroup. The community has also shown a favorable response to the growing preference for E-health. The notable trend is the growing, particularly among Millennials, with 74% favoring this approach [4]. Furthermore, the pandemic has led to a significant increase, with 46% of individuals now turning to telehealth services [5], saving an average of 101 minutes compared to traditional clinic visits [6]. EaseCARE has curated a diverse network of licensed Canadian mental health professionals, spanning counselors, physicians, psychiatrists, and therapists. This comprehensive spectrum of expertise enables EaseCARE to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, encompassing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, focusing on individualized support.The platform ensures a seamless connection between seekers and professionals, prioritizing safety, integrity, and data security at every step.

EaseCARE empowers patients to conveniently schedule online appointments and consult experts from their homes, ensuring inclusivity with phone consultations for those without internet access. Getting started with EaseCARE is easy. A patient can sign up on EaseCARE website, share their problem along with medical history, and EaseCARE will match you with the right specialist after a thorough assessment. This marks the beginning of a patient’s journey towards better mental well-being. Operating within Canada, EaseCARE adheres to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and complies with the United States’ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to safeguard patient data and privacy.

About The Care Group
The Care Group, a Canadian MedTech and mental health company with decades of experience, offers innovative solutions, shaping the future of virtual health through telehealth. For those in need of help, please contact:

Website: https://www.easecare.ca/
Email: support@easecare.ca
Phone: +1 587-323-8646

Follow EaseCARE on social media:
Facebook: easecare.ca
Instagram: easecare.ca

References:
[1] Mortality in Mental Disorders and Global Disease Burden Implications (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
[2] Average Patient Appointment Time Is 26 Days In 2022 (patientengagementhit.com)
[3] Suicide among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit (2011-2016): Findings from the 2011 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (statcan.gc.ca)
[4] The rise of digital natives: How millennials and Gen Z are transforming healthcare (aviahealth.com)
[5] Telehealth: A quarter-trillion-dollar-post-COVID-19 reality? (mckinsey.com)
[6] Employee healthcare visits consume 101 minutes, including commuting, waiting, and receiving treatment (anovaworks.com)

EaseCARE Medical
Ray Yue
+1 587-323-8646
www.easecare.ca

ContactContact

Categories

  • Business
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • Healthcare Management
  • Hospitals
  • Medical & Health
  • Mental Health

Hong Kong – Government proposes ten enhanced measures to support persons in mental recovery or with mental health needs (with photo)

Jun 10, 2023 | International

Government proposes ten enhanced measures to support persons in mental recovery or with mental health needs (with photo)

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     The Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH), chaired by Mr Wong Yan-lung, SC, held an urgent meeting this evening (June 9) to explore ways to address mental health issues in a more integral, safe and comprehensive approach and to make recommendations to the Government in the light of the tragic incident on June 2. The Acting Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, also attended the meeting and announced ten enhanced support measures proposed by the Government after the meeting.
      
     Mr Wong Yan-lung, SC, stressed that only an extreme minority of patients with mental illnesses are violence-prone and may injure others due to relapse. Symptoms of mental disorders can be effectively managed through treatment and intervention. Many persons in mental recovery can therefore live a healthy and fulfilling life. Attributing such tragic incidents over simply to mental disorders will only keep the society further away from truth. It will not help resolve the problem but aggravate the stigmatisation against persons with mental health needs, deterring those in need from seeking assistance.
      
     At the meeting, the Hospital Authority (HA) briefed members on the cross-sectoral mechanism currently in place to offer treatment and social support to persons with mental health needs. Under the mechanism which has been operating smoothly, visits and timely consultations are arranged by case managers and medical social workers to keep a close watch on the rehabilitation of patients, as well as to arrange prompt admission to hospital for treatment once a relapse is noted. At this stage, there is no sign of inadequacy in follow-up or oversight on symptoms due to resource or manpower constraints.
      
     Nevertheless, the ACMH considered that the overall mental health services should be reviewed. The ACMH pointed out that the enhancement of overall mental health in the community involves not only healthcare but also support from other areas such as social welfare and education, and is highly related to the overall atmosphere of the society. As such, the society should overcome the stigma and discrimination against persons with mental disorders, continue to care for and support those with mental health needs, and to encourage them to seek help. The ACMH appealed to members of the public not to be unnecessarily fearful of persons with mental health needs, and should avoid the widespread circulation of incorrect information in relation to mental health. Otherwise, it would be difficult for the community to eliminate various misunderstanding and stereotypes of mental disorders.
      
     Dr Libby Lee thanked members for actively expressing their views. She reiterated that the Government attaches great importance to the mental health of members of the public. Having considered the invaluable views from the ACMH, the Government proposed ten enhanced measures in a bid to offer more comprehensive support to persons in mental recovery who had a history of severe mental disorders and other persons with mental health needs.
 
Enhanced measures to support persons in mental recovery who had a history of severe mental disorders
——————————————————————
(1) The HA will enhance manpower with an aim to optimising the ratio of case manager under the Case Management Programme to patients with severe mental illness to no higher than 1:40 by the fourth quarter of this year
(2) The HA will explore the wider use of newer oral drugs or injections with fewer side effect for psychiatric patients in need to facilitate better medication compliance of patients
(3) The HA will set clearer targets for the median waiting time for new cases at psychiatric specialist outpatient clinics, with median waiting time for those triaged as Priority 1 (urgent) be kept within one week and that for Priority 2 (semi-urgent) be kept within four weeks
(4) Enhance the communication in case management between the HA and the Social Welfare Department (SWD), including exploring more frequent exchanges on cases jointly handled by the HA and the SWD, so as to provide a more holistic and continuous support with a more comprehensive assessment on medical, emotional and family conditions, etc. of the person concerned
(5) The HA will complete the review of the “Conditional Discharge” mechanism under the Mental Health Ordinance soon and will report the findings of the review to the ACMH next month. The Government will also invite the ACMH to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the “Community Treatment Order”, and make recommendations to the Government.
 
Enhanced measures to support other persons with mental health needs
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(1) Individual District Health Centres will explore the introduction of a pilot scheme to provide mental health assessment for members of the public in need, and collaborate with community organisations for providing follow-up, as well as early referral for high-risk cases
(2) The SWD will enhance the services of Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness to strengthen support for persons with mental health needs, including strengthening early identification of persons with mental health needs and early intervention.
(3) The SWD will explore enhancing the training of social workers in community mental health services units to improve their ability in handling complex cases
(4) The Health Bureau (HHB) will expedite the implementation of setting up a mental health support hotline within this year, so as to consolidate different mental health services and to provide immediate support and referral services for members of the public with mental health needs
(5) Strengthen the support for the mental health needs of specific groups (including low-income and ethnic minority families), so as to provide timely support as well as early identification and assistance for cases in need. The HHB is actively liaising with non-government organisations to set up a service centre to provide emotional support and counselling for ethnic minorities, which is expected to commence operation within this year. Moreover, the Government will explore the possibility of leveraging the district network and service experience of “Care Teams” to participate in assisting and supporting the relevant measures
 
     Dr Libby Lee pointed out that the Government will work with the ACMH closely in taking forward the aforementioned measures. She added that enhancement of mental health requires the joint effort and involvement of everyone on all fronts, and is an arduous task across bureaux and across different sectors. The Government will continue to provide multi-disciplinary services to persons with mental health needs and fully integrated and coherent mental health services to members of the public through collaboration and co-operation among the HHB, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Department of Health, the SWD, the HA, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in the community.