DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS FOR STUDENTS

I still have the picture on my phone, a touching moment attempting to mask tears with a forced smile—
a snapshot of the challenging days in December 2021. This essay delves into the impact of digital mental
health tools for students, exploring personal experiences and transformative interventions.

This time, I didn't even realize I was crying. I had gone to use my school Wi-Fi to download some movies
for the weekend, only to look at my face and see tears streaming down my cheeks. I thought I was
running mad. I cried, then attempted to smile to cover it up. Or Should I tell you about the days I longed
for someone to give me a hug? I genuinely believed that a single random hug could mend my heart and
bring back my joy. These challenging moments seem incessant. I don't even know exactly where all
these emotions are coming from, and I can't boldly ask for help. Well, "you're a man," they will say.

On a specific day, a conversation with a friend naturally veered towards mental health. As fellow
medical students, she easily resonated with all my mental struggles. I had thought I was the only one
feeling that way. I would have argued that I'm the problem.

And then, it became easy to trace our steps back to the tumultuous journey of student life, where
textbooks resemble boulders and deadlines cast looming shadows. We are so pressured, and our mental
well-being is nobody's concern. The contemporary student faces an array of challenges, from academic
pressures to the constant hum of societal expectations. Generally, societal members, including students,
face other circumstances that affect their mental health—financial crises, family-based problems, health
issues. Being a young person living in Nigeria alone is enough trouble.

I sought help, and indeed, it manifested through a community that introduced me to diverse
interventions that helped with my feelings of loneliness and disordered life.

We resort to digital solutions because, most of the time, everyone around is going through a lot. We all
need help.

This essay explores the transformative impact of digital mental health tools, shedding light on personal
experiences and interventions that foster resilience and well-being. Now, Let's talk about Alex, Boku,
Segun, and Beth.

Headspace: A Prelude To Calmness

Picture Alex, a student standing on the precipice of exam stress. Headspace, the virtuoso of mindfulness
apps, steps onto the stage. With its guided meditation sessions and serene atmosphere, Headspace
becomes Alex's prelude to calmness. It is not merely an application; it is an introduction to the practice
of mindfulness, a moment of tranquility amid the storm of academic responsibilities. Headspace doesn't
just offer a momentary escape; it equips students with a tool to cultivate a peaceful state of mind,
enhancing focus and reducing the overwhelming tide of stress. Alex can now have a space in his head.

Woebot: The Conversational Symphony

Now, let's meet Boku, navigating the intricate passages of student life. In the midst of emotional
turbulence, Woebot enters as the conversational maestro. This AI-powered chatbot engages Boku in
meaningful conversations, providing not just a listening ear but a virtual companion adept at offering
insights and coping strategies. Woebot transforms the solitude of emotional challenges into a
collaborative dialogue, demonstrating the potential of technology to be a supportive presence in the
student's mental well-being journey.

7 Cups: A Chorus of Empathy

In the bustling digital village, Segun discovers 7 Cups, the chorus of empathy. It is not merely a platform
but a community where students share their stories and offer empathetic responses. Connecting Segun
with trained listeners and peers, 7 Cups becomes the stage for a collective narrative. In this digital
ensemble, Segun finds solace and a sense of belonging, turning moments of isolation into harmonious
connections.

Moodpath: The Emotional Sonata

Enter Beth, another student grappling with the emotional ebbs and flows of academic life. Beth turns to
Moodpath, the emotional sonata. This app, beyond being a mere mood tracker, becomes Beth's
companion in self-awareness. By prompting reflection on moods, Moodpath guides Beth through a
nuanced exploration of emotional landscapes. It is not just a tool for tracking emotions; it is a
personalized journey of introspection and understanding.

In this ensemble of digital well-being, ethical considerations serve as the conductor, ensuring harmony.
Headspace, Woebot, 7 Cups, and Moodpath are not just instruments; they are ethical guides that
prioritize user consent and privacy, conducting the digital experience with integrity.

As we conclude this exploration, the message resounds—let's seek help collectively, tapping into the
resources within ourselves.

The interplay of digital well-being tools for students is a harmonious blend of technology and well-being,
not a cacophony. With their real-world impact, these tools redefine the narrative of student life. They
offer not just a digital escape but a transformative journey towards resilience, balance, and well-being.
The collaboration continues to evolve, resonating with the ever-changing needs of students, and may
the harmony between technology and well-being be a melody that echoes throughout the student
experience.

AJISAFE DAMILOLA IFEOLUWA

damilolaajisafe809@gmail.com

08136907770