Companion: Mental Health Mobile Application for

Students
Shrimann Vyas Prof.Jitendra Musale Prof.Dewendra Bharambe
Computer department of Anantrao Computer department of Anantrao Computer department of Anantrao
pawar college of engineering and pawar college of engineering and pawar college of engineering and
research,parvati,pune. research,parvati,pune. research,parvati,pune.
Savitribai Phule Pune university Savitribai Phule Pune university Savitribai Phule Pune university
pune. pune. pune.
vyasshrimann@gmail.com jitendra.musale@abmspcoerpune.org dewendra.bharambe@abmspcoerpune.o
rg
Kaustubh Wagh Prasanna Bhujbal
Computer department of Anantrao Computer department of Anantrao Aarohi Pashankar
pawar college of engineering and pawar college of engineering and Computer department of Anantrao
research,parvati,pune. research,parvati,pune. pawar college of engineering and
Savitribai Phule Pune university Savitribai Phule Pune university research,parvati,pune.
pune. pune. Savitribai Phule Pune university
kaustubh.wagh78@gmail.com prasannabhujbal21@gmail.com pune.
aarohi.pashankar@gmail.com

Abstract— This research paper presents a forward-looking
and comprehensive model aimed at tackling mental health
challenges within educational institutions. This integrated
approach encompasses a variety of essential features to create
a holistic support system. Among these features, early
detection is highlighted as a crucial element. Identifying signs
of mental health issues at an early stage is known to lead to
more effective interventions, which can significantly improve
the well-being of students, educators, and parents.
Additionally, the model places a strong emphasis on resource
provision, offering information, counselling, and support
services to individuals facing mental health problems.
Continuous monitoring further strengthens the system by not
only detecting issues but also keeping a vigilant eye on
students' mental health status over time. Personalized user
profiles ensure that support and resources are tailored to
individual needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the
system. The use of standardized assessment tools and an alert
system for relevant stakeholders contributes to the model's
effectiveness. It's worth noting that privacy and security
measures are also taken into account, given the sensitive nature
of mental health data. The research findings, obtained through
a mixed-methods research design, demonstrate high user
engagement and satisfaction with the mental health app.
Moreover, the app is shown to raise awareness about mental
health issues and reduce the associated stigma. These positive
outcomes underscore the potential of the integrated model to
significantly enhance the mental well-being of all parties
involved in educational settings. As such, it stands as a valuable
approach for addressing mental health concerns in this
context.
Keywords— Promoting Mental Health in Youth - Monitoring
Mental Health Status - Enhancing Understanding of Mental Health
- Education on Mental Health.
I. INTRODUCTION
Mental health issues have risen to the forefront of concerns
within educational institutions worldwide, impacting
students' overall well-being and their academic success. The
significance of early intervention and support for these
challenges cannot be overstated. In response to this critical
need, we propose an innovative and comprehensive
integrated model or software solution that addresses the
mental health needs of students, educators, and parents.
This proposed solution includes a wide range of essential
features, beginning with early detection of mental health
issues. Identifying these issues at their inception is crucial,
as it can pave the way for more effective interventions,
fostering a positive impact on the students' academic and
personal development. Additionally, resource provision,
which includes information, counseling, and support
services, plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with
mental health concerns receive the assistance they require.
Continuous monitoring, personalized user profiles,
standardized assessment tools, and an alert system
collectively contribute to the holistic approach of the
system. Moreover, progress monitoring allows for tracking
the effectiveness of interventions over time. Recognizing the
sensitivity of mental health data, stringent data privacy and
security measures are an integral part of this model.
This research aims to explore the potential of such a system
in promoting mental well-being among students,
recognizing that their mental health is intrinsically linked to
their educational journey and overall life success. In
summary, the proposed integrated model represents a timely
and essential step towards addressing the growing issue of
mental health within educational institutions. In the rest of
this paper, we present our research points in the following
structure : In chapter II we explain the importance of
technology required to build our application; In chapter III
literature review takes us through previous work done in this
matter; chapter IV takes us through research methodology
which was followed for making this research paper; In
chapter V flow diagram of proposed work is presented;
chapter VI elaborates on the existing system in place for
mental health assessment and wellbeing; In chapter VII our
proposed system is presented followed by flow diagram;
chapter VIII presents the algorithm for the proposed model;
In chapter IX advantages of our proposed system over
existing system are mentioned; chapter X concludes the
research work on the proposed mental health model; In
chapter XI the future scope has been mentioned; chapter XII
mentions the reference paper which were referred for the
research involved in the making of this research paper.
II. IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY
In today's fast-paced world, student mental health has
emerged as a significant concern. This research paper delves
into the pivotal role of technology, especially Machine
Learning, in our 'Companion' mental health app. We explore
how technology aids in data collection, analysis, and
personalized support for students, as well as its crucial role in
connecting students with mental health professionals when
severe issues arise.
The 'Companion' app relies on technology to collect vast
amounts of mental health data through user questionnaires.
This data, often too vast to be processed manually, is
analyzed using Machine Learning algorithms. These
algorithms identify patterns and early warning signs of
mental health issues, enabling timely intervention. Through
Machine Learning, 'Companion' tailors coping strategies and
interventions based on the unique mental health profiles of
individual students. This personalized approach is a
significant improvement over generic solution.
The real-time monitoring provided by technology is a game-
changer. It allows the app to continuously track a student's
mental health status. In the event of deteriorating mental
health, it can send alerts, enabling prompt support.
Technology allows us to scale our mental health services
efficiently. By using the app, we can potentially reach a
broader population of students, making mental health support
more accessible and affordable.
III. LITERATURE REVIEW
Addressing mental health challenges and developing
effective mental health apps is a fundamental issue in the
field of psychological well-being and digital healthcare,
which has garnered significant attention and research
efforts in recent years.
Hock Chuan Lim, Saniya Kolangde, Divya Mohan,
Abeer Hezam, Madeeha Amatur, Shafiz Mohd Yusof [1]
introduced "Therapily," an iOS mobile app powered by
Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support mental health. In
response to the growing importance of mental health
during the COVID-19 pandemic, Therapily offers real-
time assistance through AI-based features, such as
emotion detection, chatbot interactions, and virtual
therapist consultations. A notable feature is its real-time
emotion detection using deep learning and facial
recognition, aiding users in recognizing their emotions.
The app is built with data security in mind and is designed
using client-server architecture. Initial testing with a small
group of users will inform further refinements for a wider
audience.
Tanvi Gadgil, Shailaja Jadhav, Anjali Kumari,
Mrunali Dasari, Chanchal Bhangdia [2] conducted a study
from 2016 to 2020, exploring mental health mobile
applications on the Google Play Store. These apps aim to
tackle various mental health issues like depression,
anxiety, stress, PTSD, bipolar disorders, and substance
abuse, employing strategies like relaxation, mood
tracking, symptom tracking, and meditation. Despite not
receiving medical endorsements, they contribute to mental
well-being. The researchers developed a chatbot using the
Rasa framework that offers information on mental health,
mood journaling, and coping strategies. Sentiment
analysis categorizes user input as positive, negative, or
neutral, assessing the severity of mental health issues via
linear regression. The study underscores the importance of
usability, customization, and privacy policies in mental
health apps and suggests further research to enhance their
effectiveness and user experience.
Martina Michaelis, Stephanie Burgess, Florian Junne,
Eva Rothermund, Harald Gündel, Stephan Zipfel, Markus
Wolf, and Monika A. Rieger [3] conducted a study on
German employees' attitudes towards web-based and
mobile mental health applications. The study aimed to
investigate employees' acceptance of mental health apps
compared to traditional services and the influence of
individual characteristics. A standardized survey was
conducted with 610 respondents from various job types.
The results showed low acceptance of mental health apps
among employees. The study emphasized the need for
educational strategies to address negative attitudes and
improve acceptability. Factors such as work-related stress
and willingness to seek psychotherapy were found to
influence attitudes. The study also highlighted the need for
more research on the implementation and integration of e-
mental health interventions and the importance of raising
awareness among the general population and healthcare
professionals.
Katarzyna Kabacińska, Kaleigh McLeod, Annika
Mackenzie, Kim Vu, Michelle Cianfrone, Andrew
Tugwell, and Julie M Robillard [4] explored the criteria
used by young people when selecting mobile mental
health applications. It was found that many of these apps
claim to use scientific methods but include unsupported
techniques. The study also revealed that most apps collect
extensive user information and share it with third parties,
with only a third protecting personal data. The lack of
regulations and the abundance of available apps make it
challenging to choose the right one. Participants
emphasized the importance of privacy, accessibility,
usability, and compliance with legal standards in mental
health apps. They also suggested additional features such
as a contact page and a link to a computer website for
expanded functionality.
Abdul Rahman Idreesa,b, Robin Krafta,b, Rüdiger
Pryssc, Manfred Reicherta, and Harald Baumeisterb [5]
conducted a literature-based review on the design of
persuasive systems for mental health applications. They
identified challenges such as low user adherence, concerns
about efficacy, ethical issues, data safety, and limited
content quality. The study introduced the Fogg Behavior
Model, which can improve user engagement and behavior
change. Based on user feedback and professionals'
opinions, the review outlined requirements for persuasive
system design in mental health apps, including usability,
customization, privacy, personalized notifications, user
autonomy, and inter-user communication. Understanding
user requirements and feedback is crucial for designing
effective mental health applications.
 IV. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1. Research Design
Type: This study will employ a mixed-methods research
design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative
research methods.
Approach: A combination of surveys, data analysis, and
interviews will be used.
2. Data Collection
a. Quantitative Data: Mental Health Assessment Surveys:
Administer self-assessment questionnaires, including
standardized scales (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7), to app users to
assess their mental health. Collect demographic information,
such as age and gender. Measure changes in mental health
scores over time through regular assessments. Analyse
survey data using statistical software (e.g., SPSS or R).
Machine Learning Data: Gather user data (with consent)
from the app, including activity levels, sleep patterns, and
social media posts. Utilize machine learning algorithms for
continuous monitoring of user data.
b. Qualitative Data:
User Interviews:
Conduct in-depth interviews with a subset of app users to
gain insights into their experiences with the app, perceived
effectiveness, and challenges. Record and transcribe
interviews. Perform thematic analysis to identify recurring
themes.
3. Data Analysis
a. Quantitative Analysis:
Employ statistical analysis techniques (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA,
regression analysis) to examine changes in mental health
assessment scores and correlations with app usage. Compare
demographic data with mental health outcomes. Use
descriptive statistics to summarize findings.
Establish data validation procedures to ensure the accuracy
and reliability of collected data. Conduct inter-rater
reliability checks for qualitative analysis.
7. Limitations
Recognize potential limitations such as self-reporting biases
in surveys and the representativeness of the sample.
8. Conclusion and Generalization
Draw conclusions based on the combined analysis of
quantitative and qualitative data. Discuss the extent to which
findings can be generalized to the broader population.
9. Research Timeline
Outline the timeline for data collection, analysis, and report
writing.
10. Resources
Specify the resources required for the research, including
personnel, software, and data storage.
11. References
List the references to academic sources, ethical guidelines,
and relevant literature that informed the research
methodology. This research methodology outlines the
framework for conducting a comprehensive study on the
effectiveness and user experiences of the mental health app,
integrating quantitative and qualitative data for a holistic
understanding of the app's impact on mental health.
V. FLOW DIAGRAM OF PROPOSED WORK

b. Qualitative Analysis:
Utilize thematic analysis to identify and analyze patterns,
themes, and insights from user interviews. Triangulate
qualitative findings with quantitative data to provide a
comprehensive view.

4. Ethical Considerations
Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines informed consent,
and data privacy. Anonymize and protect user data.

5. Sampling
a. Quantitative Data:
Random sampling of app users who concern to participate.
Ensure a diverse sample to capture a wide range of
experiences.

b. Qualitative Data:
Purposeful sampling of a subset of app users, including those
with varying levels of engagement and improvements.

6. Data Validation and Reliability

 1. User visits the web application and creates an
account. This is the first step in using the app, and
it allows the user to save their progress and receive
personalized recommendations.
2. User takes a questionnaire to assess their mental
health. The questionnaire is designed to assess the
user's current state of mental health, including any
symptoms they may be experiencing.
3. Model analyzes the user's responses and generates
a personalized assessment of their mental health.
The app uses a machine learning model to analyze
the user's responses and generate a personalized
assessment of their mental health. This assessment
includes information about the user's risk of
developing mental health problems, as well as any
specific symptoms or areas of concern.
4. Model provides the user with personalized
solutions and recommendations, based on their
assessment. The app uses the user's assessment to
generate personalized solutions and
recommendations. These solutions and
recommendations may include self-help strategies,
resources for professional help, or tips for
improving mental well-being.
5. Model monitors the user's progress over time and
provides updated solutions and recommendations
as needed. The app continues to monitor the user's
progress over time and provides updated solutions
and recommendations as needed. This allows the
app to be as helpful as possible to the user as their
mental health needs change.
6. If the user's mental health problems are severe, the
model will transfer them to a concerned
psychologist. If the user's mental health problems
are severe, the app will transfer them to a
concerned psychologist. This ensures that the user
can get the professional help they need.
The flow diagram also shows two decision points:
• Is the user's mental health problems severe? If the
user's mental health problems are severe, the model
will transfer them to a concerned psychologist.
• Continue using the web application? If the user
wants to continue using the app, they can do so.
The app will continue to monitor their progress and
provide updated solutions and recommendations as
needed.
Overall, the flow diagram shows how the mental health
assessment and monitoring application works to help users
improve their mental well-being. The app is designed to be
accessible, user-friendly, and helpful.
VI. EXISTING SYSTEM
Current systems primarily rely on manual periodic
evaluations, often administered by mental health experts or
through self-reporting surveys. While these methods have
their merits, they come with limitations. They might miss
crucial changes in a person's mental state between
assessments, leaving individuals susceptible to undetected
issues or delayed interventions. Self-reporting surveys are
commonly employed but are subjective and dependent on an
individual's self-awareness and willingness to provide
accurate responses, potentially leading to underreporting or
limited self-insight. These systems lack robust data analysis
capabilities, often failing to utilize advanced technologies
like machine learning to extract meaningful insights from
collected data, restricting the depth of understanding of
mental health trends. Personalization, a vital aspect of
effective mental health support, is often overlooked in
current systems, offering generic advice and interventions
that may reduce user engagement and effectiveness.
Accessibility remains a concern, as geographic and financial
barriers can impede access to professional help and
necessary resources, resulting in untreated or under-treated
mental health issues. A significant drawback of existing
systems is the potential for delayed intervention, as by the
time mental health issues are identified, they may have
escalated, making treatment less effective and challenging.
VII. PROPOSED SYSTEM
Our proposed system is an integrated model or software
solution designed to revolutionize the way mental health
support is provided to students, educators, and parents. The
core objectives of our system are as follows:
1. Early Mental Health Detection: The primary goal of the
system is to identify mental health issues at their earliest
stages. This will be achieved through self-assessment tools
that empower students to monitor their mental well-being.
Early detection allows for timely intervention and support,
potentially preventing the development of more severe
mental health issues.
2. Resource Provision: Our system aims to provide a wealth
of resources for mental health intervention. These resources
will include articles, exercises, and expert guidance to
empower individuals in managing their mental well-being
effectively. By offering a comprehensive repository of
resources, we enable students, educators, and parents to
access the information and support they need.
3. Continuous Monitoring: The system will continually
monitor students' mental health progress over time. This
ongoing assessment ensures that individuals receive the
necessary support and that interventions are effective.
Continuous monitoring allows for adjustments in support
strategies based on real-time data.
4. Personalized User Profiles: To cater to the diverse needs
Step
of students, educators, and parents, the system will create
personalized user profiles. These profiles enable customized
experiences and functionalities for each user group,
enhancing the relevance of the platform and the support it
offers.
5. Standardized Assessment Tools: The core of our system
will be the implementation of standardized mental health
assessment tools. These tools employ scientifically validated
metrics to measure mental well-being accurately.
Standardized tools provide consistent and reliable data,
facilitating early detection and monitoring.
6. Alert System: We will incorporate an alert system that
triggers notifications to educators and parents when a
student's self-assessment raises concerns about their mental
health. This feature ensures timely and collaborative
intervention, involving all stakeholders in the support
network of the student.
7. Progress Monitoring: Users will have access to tools for
monitoring their mental health progress through data
visualization and reports. This not only helps users stay
motivated but also provides insights into the effectiveness of
interventions, fostering a sense of control and
empowerment.
8. Data Privacy and Security: Ensuring the utmost
protection of user data is a top priority. We will implement
stringent privacy and security measures in compliance with
relevant regulations to safeguard sensitive information,
building trust in the system.
VIII. ALGORITHM
Description
1 User Registration and Profile Setup- Allow users to
create an account or log in to the app. Collect user
information, such as name, age, gender, location, and
mental health history. Create a personalized user
profile.
2 Mental Health Assessment- Provide users with self-
assessment questionnaires to assess their mental
health status. Analyze user responses to identify
patterns and early warning signs of mental health
issues. Generate a report with the user's mental health
assessment results.
3 Machine Learning for Continuous Monitoring -
Collect user data (with consent), such as mood
tracking, activity levels, and sleep patterns. Use
machine learning algorithms to analyze the collected
data and identify trends and patterns. Generate alerts
for users and relevant stakeholders when the
algorithms detect signs of deteriorating mental health.
4 Personalized Support-Provide users with
educational resources, coping mechanisms, and social
support based on their individual needs. Develop a
personalized treatment plan for each user.
Connect users with mental health professionals when
necessary.
5 Treatment Plan - Develop personalized treatment
recommendations for each user based on their mental
health assessment results and continuous monitoring
data. Help users set goals for their mental health
journey. Provide users with support and guidance to
implement their treatment plan.
6 Progress Tracking - Regularly collect user feedback
and track their progress over time. Analyze the
collected data to identify what is working and what
needs improvement. Provide users with personalized
feedback on their progress.
7 Notifications and Reminders - Send users reminders
and motivational messages to help them stay on track
with their treatment plan. Provide users with
notifications about important events and resources.
8 Privacy and Data Security - Implement stringent
data privacy and security measures to protect user
data. Obtain user consent before collecting and using
their data. Allow users to access and manage their
data at any time.
9 Feedback and Reporting - Collect user feedback on
the app and its features. Generate reports on user
progress and engagement. Use the feedback and
reports to improve the app and its services.
10 Emergency Support- Provide users with access to
immediate help in crisis situations. Connect users
with emergency services or mental health
professionals.
11 User Engagement and Gamification- Implement
gamification elements in the app to motivate users
and make it more engaging. Reward users for
completing tasks and achieving their goals. Create a
supportive and encouraging community for users.
12 Continuous App Improvement- Regularly update
the app with new features and improvements. Fix any
bugs or glitches that are reported by users. Make the
app more user-friendly and accessible.
13 Community and User Support-Provide support
channels for user inquiries
 IX. ADVANTAGE OF PROPOSED MODEL OVER EXISTING
MODEL
Our model has the following advantages:
• Ensuring user engagement and adoption of the
system among students, educators and parents.
• Continuous monitoring and improvement of the
machine learning model for accurate assessment.
• We partner with mental health professionals to
offer expert insights and counseling services within
the platform.
• We license our model to educational institutions
and provide additional mental health professionals.
X. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the proposed system offers a
comprehensive strategy for addressing mental health
concerns among students. It integrates key components such
as early identification, access to resources, consistent
monitoring, personalized profiles, standardized assessments,
timely alerts, progress tracking, and data protection. This
system can detect mental health issues at an early stage,
allowing for timely intervention and support. It provides
continuous monitoring of students' mental health, allowing
educators and parents to make informed decisions. The
system also creates personalized profiles to tailor support
based on individual needs. Standardized assessments ensure
accurate evaluation of progress, while alerts and
notifications facilitate timely action. Data privacy and
security are prioritized to establish trust and encourage
participation. Overall, the system has the potential to
improve the mental well-being of students, educators, and
parents.
XI. FUTURE SCOPE
The construction of an integrated student tracking system is
a significant step towards ensuring the overall well-being of
students. This system will not only focus on evaluating the
academic performance of students but also on assessing
their mental and physical health on a weekly basis. By
collecting and analyzing comprehensive data, we can
identify any areas of concern and provide timely support to
students. In addition to monitoring individual student
progress, our platform will also have a strong emphasis on
fostering a sense of community among students. Through
the creation of virtual communities, students will have the
opportunity to connect with their peers who may be facing
similar challenges and issues. This will facilitate peer-to-
peer support and encourage a supportive and inclusive
environment. From a business perspective, the
implementation of this student tracking system presents
several advantages. Firstly, it allows educational institutions
to proactively address the well-being of their students,
promoting a holistic approach to education. This can result
in improved student satisfaction and retention rates,
ultimately benefiting the reputation and competitiveness of
the institution. Furthermore, by providing a platform for
virtual communities, the system creates opportunities for
collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students. This
has the potential to enhance the overall learning experience
and foster closer ties between students, leading to a stronger
sense of belonging and engagement.
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