7 things you need to look for when downloading a mental health app

Mental health is a growing concern among young people. In Canada alone, one million children and young people suffer from mental illness – 75% of whom have no access to specialized treatment, according to a recent study Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Many people in this group experience severe symptoms and are likely to have long-term effects on quality of life. Working together to uncover evidence-based solutions, Homewood Research Institute (HRI) Yet RBC Foundation – Through its $ 500 million commitment to help young people for tomorrow’s jobs RBC Future Launch – are dedicated to helping young people find mental health solutions through what they have found from a New report.

As long as these barriers are met, mental health applications are a growing trend trying to fill the gap. Although applications have accessibility, low cost, and convenience, very little research has been done to support their effectiveness.

Not that you shouldn’t use mental health apps; Having some guidelines can help you decide what works best for you. With these seven tips in mind you can more optimize and navigate your digital resources more securely.

Determine your needs

Apps can help you deal with mental health issues from depression, anxiety, mental disorders, addiction or suicidal ideology. But it is very important to find one that targets your situation and age and the app should provide full transparency.

Knowing the costs in the app is crucial when understanding whether usage in the app is consistent over time. By determining the interaction style you prefer, you will also know which app fits your needs.

Verify the developer

App developers ించండి Rethink a little to find out who they are and their background. Applications created with the help of mental health professionals are more effective.

Knowing the funding sources of the application can help you determine if there are conflicts of interest and can give clues about its great purpose.

Find proof

Shutter‌stock

Is there any evidence that the app is working as advertised? Look for apps that have popular studies to back up their effectiveness. This way of thinking will help you to better understand the application process and how helpful it can be.

Most apps have user reviews, but that’s not enough. While the feedback from other users is valuable, it is very subjective. You want to keep your eyes peeled for peer-reviewed journal entries or reviews, rather than from those who use the app.

Check dates

Double-check when the app was last updated. If two years have passed since the last update, the information you receive may not be in line with current or best medical practices.

Knowing the latest release date will help you assess whether the advice you are receiving is relevant and functional on the latest devices.

Review the Privacy Policy

Shutter‌stock

Mobile apps are capable of collecting tons of your personal data and should always request your consent before collecting your information. Carefully review the privacy policy to ensure that you are comfortable with what is described and how your data is stored.

Control your data

In addition to knowing what information is being collected from you, you should have full agency on how your data is being used and shared.

The app can securely share data with health care providers to facilitate access to other services. Make sure that any sharing of data is done with your consent and that you can eventually delete your data from the app and its servers if you choose.

Protect your personal information

Shutter‌stock

Last but not least, we have four words: read fine print. Make sure you understand that your data is private or shared with third parties.

The application must specify what kind of information it collects and any external parties who have access to it. If you suspect that there may be a violation of how the app collects and transmits data, it is a good idea to get rid of the app altogether.

Your mental well-being is very important and affects all aspects of your life, from your relationships, to work, school and your general happiness. Taking care of yourself is an important step in finding harmony in this balanced action.

There is support for these tips By RBC Future Launch: 10-year, $ 500 million commitment (now in its fourth year) to prepare Canadian youth for tomorrow’s jobs. The program provides funding for community partners across Canada and helps young people access work experience, skills development opportunities, networking solutions, as well as mental wellness aids and services.

You can get help finding the ones that work for you by exploring and visiting the variety of resources out there RBC.com/FutureLaunch.

Branded content

This content was created by Hive Labs in partnership with a sponsor