International survey reveals how people cope with mental health issues

Did you know that an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older — about 1 in 4 adults — suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year according to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders?

In a detailed study spanning the US, Canada and Europe by MetaBrain Labs, new data reveals that 18.2% of people do not take any action to address their mental or emotional health. 

This is especially intriguing given the advent of innovative technologies aimed at enhancing mental well-being. With nearly a quarter of the population not actively engaging in their mental health, the imperative to integrate technological advancements into widespread mental health strategies becomes more pressing. As we continue to promote mental health awareness, bridging the gap with tech innovation ensures that no one is left behind in the journey towards collective well-being.

This raises a critical question: New tech has introduced groundbreaking tools for mental well-being. With a sizable chunk of the population not addressing their mental health, how can we harness technology to aid them? As mental health awareness intersects with tech innovation, it’s crucial to ensure everyone benefits. 

Additional key insights: 

• 58.4% of people have practiced mindfulness or meditation
• 49.8% of people have use a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist
• 42.86% of people ages 55 and up have used nothing to help address mental or emotional struggles
• Coaches and mentors are most popular among 18 to 24 year olds at 31.17% having used them
• Men and women almost equally utilize apps, tech or online programs at 50.42% and 49.58%

Those who are age 55 and older standout above the rest at 42.9% of them not utilizing anything for their mental or emotional struggles. 

“Why the disconnect? This demographic is often juggling high-pressure roles, substantial life transitions, and the associated mental stresses. This isn’t just about a reluctance to adopt new technologies; it’s potentially about a lack of perceived relevance or trust in these solutions to address real, pressing emotional and mental challenges. The gap suggests a need to emphasize not just the availability of such tech but also its applicability and efficacy in addressing the nuanced mental health needs that arise during such pivotal life stages. It’s my goal to bridge this gap, making our advanced solutions more relatable, trustworthy, and beneficial for those in this age bracket, who stand to gain significantly from addressing and reshaping their mental frameworks,” explains Alexandrea Day, Founder & CEO of MetaBrain Labs.

MetaBrain Labs stands at the vanguard of a new era in mental health, where technology transcends its role as a mere facilitator and becomes an active agent of change. Their pioneering BCI technology has the potential to democratize mental health care, making it more accessible and effective for people of all ages and walks of life.