The new digital mental health tool and how it's already working
Warning: This conversation covers the issue of suicide. Yesterday we spoke to Laura Reiley, a writer at Cornell University whose only child died by suicide after suffering from anxiety and depression. Laura shared her daughter Sophie's story in an essay for The New York Times because while she had been seeing a human therapist, Sophie had also turned to a therapy chatbot for help between sessions and it was the chatbot that she confided in when she chose to end her life. After that interview, we received an email telling us about ANTSA - a digital tool for mental health professionals that supports clients between sessions. Clinical Psychologist Sally-Anne McCormack is behind this project. Mental health Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason. Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357. Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends. Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202. Samaritans: 0800 726 666. Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz. What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds. Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English. Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254. Healthline: 0800 611 116. Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155. OUTLine: 0800 688 5463. Aoake te Ra - bereaved by suicide service. https://www.aoaketera.org.nz/ 0800 000 053 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111