Technology has increasingly become a tool for addressing mental health issues, offering innovative ways to provide care and support.
In Mexico’s Yucatán region, the MeMind app has achieved notable success in combating one of the country's highest suicide rates.
This breakthrough is an example of the potential for digital platforms to fill gaps in mental health services, according to Digi24.
A 15-Minute Questionnaire
The app is powered by artificial intelligence, and a part of a public health program focused on mental wellness.
Since its introduction two years ago, MeMind has been used by over 10,000 individuals, contributing to a 9% reduction in the region's suicide rate.
Yucatán has long faced challenges with mental health, with its suicide rate being double the national average. In 2023 alone, 341 people, mostly aged 18-39, took their own lives in the state.
The MeMind app functions through a 15-minute questionnaire designed to assess users' mental health. Questions address sensitive issues like alcoholism, domestic violence, and suicidal thoughts.
Based on users’ answers, the AI categorizes individuals into risk levels. For those deemed high-risk, the app provides personalized check-ins and alerts mental health professionals when intervention may be necessary.
Privacy is a core feature of MeMind.
Users’ data remains confidential until they consent to sharing it with healthcare providers. When users agree, their data is forwarded to local authorities to facilitate appropriate care.
However, not all residents can access the app due to limited access to compatible mobile devices in the region.
Despite its success, health professionals express concerns about MeMind being a temporary fix.
Underlying societal issues that exacerbate mental health problems, such as stigma and limited access to care, persist.
Families often hide the reasons behind loved ones' suicides, and many individuals remain reluctant to seek psychological help.
Experts point to the importance of apps like MeMind in breaking down barriers.
Enrique Baca, a psychiatrist involved in the app's development, notes that users often feel more at ease engaging with a machine than with another person.
After six months, half of MeMind’s users still interact with the app, highlighting its potential for long-term support.
