Technology to the rescue: New app to fight depression

At one point in your life you may have suffered from stress or depression; usually a lonely journey.

However, from now on should you find yourself with any of the conditions, you will not have to go through this valley alone.

An app developed by four women in Mombasa can help people suffering from depression and stress to recover.

Through the online platform, members can share what they feel and find solutions to their problems.

PsychBeing was created by Ms Latifa Noor, 20, Ms Angela Mumbi, 26, Ms Eunice Njeghe, 23, and Ms Walder Amani who are members of Swahilipot hub in the county.

SECURE

The app has different features that will enable a new visitor to sign in and get the necessary help.

“Statistics show that in Africa many people do not know they are suffering from depression,” Ms Noor, who was displaying the app Friday at Swahilipot hub during an event where Vocational and Technical Education Principal Secretary Kevit Desai was speaking on reforms in the sector, said.

To join PsychBeing one must log in using a username and a password.

“Many people, especially men, will not want to put their original names maybe because they don’t want to admit they have problems, so one is free to use a username of their choice,” she said.

Some of its features are sharing screen, community and group chats.

In the sharing screen, one is able to share what they feel or anything else they wish to with other users. “It is secure, so our users will not experience cyber bullying,” she said.

CATEGORIES

In the community feature, one is able to chat one-on-one with other users or therapists and also share photos with them.

“The therapists are skilled, some of them have hospitals while others work in various health facilities in Mombasa such as Coast General Provincial Hospital, Pandya and Aga Khan,” she added.

The group chat is divided into various sections, which allow people facing similar problems to share in one group.

“For example, it has a section for people who have lost their loved ones, those facing financial problems, relationship stress and many others because depression is caused by different things,” the 20-year-old web developer said.

COUNSELLING

Besides making the app, the women partner with counsellors and doctors in the county for seminars to educate people on depression and also help the victims feel better.

“During the workshops, we encourage the members to share their skills like singing, poetry and dancing to help relieve them of depression,” Ms Noor said.

The app also has the support of a website, Facebook and twitter accounts.

Being a prototype, Ms Noor said they hope to get Sh2.5 million to launch it.