Since its inception in April 2022, the Feel Safe Hub has strived to provide essential mental health services by offering free online psychotherapy sessions to individuals in need. This initiative, spearheaded by the platform’s team of over 135 psychotherapists, has successfully delivered 23,778 sessions in 12 languages, significantly contributing to mental health support worldwide. The analysis of these sessions, combining both quantitative and qualitative data, sheds light on the reach and impact of these services, as well as the challenges and patterns observed within the user population.
Quantitative Analysis: Sessions, Regions, and User Demographics
The data reveals that 23,778 free psychotherapy sessions were provided over the course of two years. These sessions were spread across various regions, with the Balkan region receiving the majority of the support. Specifically, 56.3% of all sessions (13,388) were conducted for individuals in the Balkans. The United States accounted for 19.1% (4,547) of the sessions, while the UK and Ireland together also represented 19.1% (4,547 sessions). Refugees from Ukraine received 6.2% (1,486) of the sessions in Ukrainian, Russian, and Serbian languages. Germany accounted for 4.3% (1,025 sessions), and the remaining 4.1% of the sessions (1,008) were delivered to individuals primarily in Africa, including Botswana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
These sessions, valued at an average of €75 per session based on the standard cost of psychotherapy in Europe, amount to approximately €1,783,350 in community support. This significant contribution not only reflects the dedication of the platform's therapists but also highlights the critical need for accessible mental health services.
Demographics of Service Users
The data indicates that 54% of the service users were women, 33% were men, and 13% chose not to disclose their gender identity. Additionally, 48% of users were between the ages of 26 and 35, underscoring the high demand for mental health services among young adults. Importantly, the platform offers support to individuals of various nationalities and sexual orientations, with a strong focus on the LGBTQ+ community. However, due to legal constraints, individuals under the age of 18 were not able to receive psychotherapy sessions through the platform.
Mental Health Concerns Addressed
The analysis of user data also highlights the most common mental health issues addressed during the sessions. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was the most frequently reported issue, accounting for 34% of cases, followed by Depression (27%). Bipolar Affective Disorder was the third most prevalent issue, affecting 19% of users. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was reported in 13% of cases, and the remaining 7% of users presented with a variety of other mental health concerns.
Qualitative Insights: Common Challenges Identified
In addition to the quantitative data, a qualitative analysis of emails, social media messages, and open-ended anonymous survey responses provided deeper insights into the common challenges faced by users. The following four key issues were identified:
Stigma around Mental Health: A recurring theme was the persistent stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Many users reported feeling isolated and ashamed of their mental health struggles, which often prevented them from seeking help earlier. This stigma is a major barrier to mental health care, particularly in regions where mental health awareness is still evolving.
Self-Diagnosis through the Internet: A concerning trend observed was that users frequently diagnosed themselves based on information found online. While the internet can provide valuable resources, the tendency to self-diagnose without professional guidance can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Users often found comfort in others' stories but lacked the professional insights necessary to accurately understand their own mental health.
Suppression of Emotions: Many users expressed confusion about emotions such as anger, sadness, and fear, viewing them as negative or dangerous. This perception has been influenced by social media and certain aspects of positive psychology, which emphasize constant happiness. As a result, users often sought to eliminate these "negative" emotions rather than learning to process and express them healthily.
Unqualified Individuals Offering Mental Health Support: In countries like Serbia, where psychotherapy is not heavily regulated, unqualified individuals often present themselves as experts. Users reported that they were misled by individuals who, despite having a large social media following or strong marketing skills, lacked the proper qualifications to offer mental health support. This poses a significant risk to users who may trust these individuals based solely on their online presence rather than their professional expertise.
Conclusion
The Feel Safe Hub’s provision of 23,778 free psychotherapy sessions has made a significant impact on the mental health landscape, particularly in underserved regions. However, the data also highlights the ongoing challenges in combating stigma, addressing misinformation, and ensuring that users receive care from qualified professionals. These insights will guide future efforts to improve accessibility to mental health care and support, as well as to educate the public on the importance of professional guidance in mental health matters.
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