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The Role of AI in Mental Health Crises
A global study on the use of AI to detect and manage moments of distress
Despite the clear need, implementing effective mental health interventions for employees remains a challenge. The barriers are multifaceted: stigma, lack of awareness, geographical and financial constraints, and the fragmented nature of available data on need and efficacy. This report aims to highlight how conversational AI can bridge these gaps, presenting data and insights that could revolutionize the way crisis support is provided in the workplace.
With a focus on ‘SOS’ instances, defined as critical moments when people are facing mental health emergencies, this groundbreaking observational study analyzes over 53,000 conversations with Wysa’s conversational AI chat bot, spanning 99 countries and 19,000 users.
This report offers a look into mental health crisis management in the workplace; an urgent and often overlooked aspect of employee well-being, with some eye-opening revelations.
"This report, with its emphasis on both the granular and the global, couldn't be timelier. By integrating geo-specific and cultural elements into the broader discourse, it offers invaluable guidance for policymakers all around the world grappling with mental health crises,"
- Dr Becky Inkster
The inspiration for this research
400 users have proactively reached out to Wysa claiming it has saved their life. The stories are always wonderful to hear. They inspired us to look wide at how people use Wysa's innovative SOS features.
We delved into how its AI detects and responds to instances of severe distress such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, and abuse. The report discusses how Wysa encourages people in crisis to call emergency helplines, and offers interventions like grounding exercises and safety planning, providing a lifeline in moments of crisis.
The report shares discoveries from our analysis of anonymous user data for this research spanning:
We present compelling evidence of Wysa's impact in improving mental health across diverse cultures and countries, through an AI-led stepped care model that offers anonymous, clinically safe interactions. This approach allows for early intervention, ensuring employees feel heard and supported, even in the loneliest hours.
This narrative is not just about data and technology; it's about people; millions of workers across continents who find solace and support through digital mental health interventions like Wysa. It's about their struggles and triumphs in the face of mental health challenges. This report is their story, and by extension, our collective journey towards a more empathetic and supportive workplace environment.
As you read this report, we invite you to join us in understanding and addressing this critical aspect of employee well-being.
Together, we can redefine crisis management in the workplace; creating a safer, healthier, and more productive environment for all.
Key findings
5.2% of Wysa users reported crisis instances on the app in one year, representing 1,038 users out of the sample of 19,950 users evaluated for this study. 82% of these crisis instances were detected by Wysa’s AI and confirmed by the user that they were having thoughts of self harm or suicide. This confirmation escalated the user to Wysa's SOS interventions. The other 18% of crisis instances were self-selected by users, who could then choose their preferred SOS intervention.
Of the 53,000 conversations in this sample, 2.8% centered around self-injury or suicide, prompting the need for immediate intervention.
Wysa’s Ethical Considerations in Crisis Risk Management and Reporting
Wysa is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in data protection, privacy, and clinical safety in all operational aspects, especially in managing crises related to self-harm or suicidal ideation among users. Our support interventions, conversations, and clinical flows are meticulously crafted by experienced clinicians and psychologists. Our approach is fully detailed in the report.
Download the Report
Despite the clear need, implementing effective mental health interventions for employees remains a challenge. This report shows how conversational AI can bridge gaps in workplace support. Evidence of Wysa's impact in improving mental health globally is presented, emphasising its anonymous, clinically safe interactions. The report highlights the importance of supporting employees' mental wellbeing, and how redefining crisis management in the workplace can create a safer, healthier and more productive environment for everyone.