Panoply is a new tool, developed by researchers at MIT and Northwestern University, that uses the power of crowdsourcing to help people cope with depression. This online tool uses the technique of cognitive reappraisal to help members receive help from others or offer help themselves.
People suffering from depression often get caught up in maladaptive thought patterns wherein they begin to view everything in a negative context. Panoply aims to mimic the kind of analysis psychologists use to come up with positive appraisals and reinterpretations of life events. Users simply have to fill out a series of fields detailing trigger events and maladaptive thoughts, with other users logging on and suggesting ways that the event can be reframed in a positive light.
Panoply's socially driven system is likely to make people use the tool regularly. While it will help people with depression develop more positive ways of seeing the world, it will also give them a sense of purpose and confidence by helping them help others suffering from depression.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Crowdsourced Mental Health Tools
- Opportunity to develop online tools using crowd's intelligence for mental health issues.
- Cognitive Reappraisal Techniques
- Opportunity to advance cognitive reappraisal techniques through technology and collaborative learning.
- Social Impact Platforms
- Opportunity for developing social impact platforms that offer users an emotional support system.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Mental Health Services
- Opportunity for mental health professionals to capitalize on crowdsourcing as a way to encourage collaboration and support.
- Social Media and Online Communities
- Opportunity for social media and online communities to offer support systems for people suffering from depression and other mental health issues.
- Healthcare Technology
- Opportunity for healthcare technology firms to invest in and develop innovative tools and platforms that empower mental health sufferers.
