E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
SIMON MILLER
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR AT HEADSPACE
Seasonal Affective Disorder ( SAD ) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months , and affects approximately 2 million brits , 12 million individuals across Northern Europe and an estimated 5 % of the US population . The heightened mental health demands that come with winter , in addition to seasonal illnesses and the ongoing health pressures of the pandemic , creates a particularly challenging period for healthcare providers worldwide .
It ’ s imperative that at this time of year providers look to integrate scalable , digital-first mental health solutions to address the increased demand . Recent technology advancements in the wellbeing space have increased access to mental health care and resources , offering those suffering from SAD the solutions they need .
Some examples of advancements that are supporting mental wellbeing in the winter of 2024 are :
Easy to access digital mental health solutions : Since the pandemic , the accessibility of mental health services through digital platforms has increased , offering organisations , healthcare providers and payors options for remote mental health support . These digital-first solutions alleviate some of the pressure on healthcare systems during the winter months , providing people with remote care when they need it most .
While there is a robust list of digital clinical solutions inmarket , the Headspace Care offering is there to support healthcare providers and employers with a personalised care approach designed with an emphasis on prevention . Companies also stand to gain significant financial benefits by employing this solution , which offers cost-effective subclinical support through mental health coaching , reserving clinical solutions for those who truly require it . From the existing members using this care model , 80 % have their needs fully met through coaching and Headspace app content , with an average 4.85 / 5 satisfaction with their coaches .
Wearable technology for mood monitoring : Wearables have evolved to include more advanced mood-tracking capabilities , allowing individuals to monitor their mental wellbeing in real time . This data could be utilised to offer timely interventions or suggestions to manage symptoms of SAD . Leading global wellness brands , Oura and Headspace recently partnered to bring meditation sessions to those who need it at certain stressful moments during the winter of 2024 and beyond . Other technologies like light sensors from LYS are proving hugely valuable in building the research and evidence base around the impact of natural vs artificial light on sleep-cycles and the impact on our bio-cycles through the seasons .
VR and AR interventions : Advancements in VR and AR technologies might also be applied to create immersive experiences that even simulate sunlight or natural settings . These environments can provide users with a virtual playground for the mind and escape from the symptoms of seasonal depression . In early 2024 Headspace is bringing exactly this to Meta ’ s Quest 3 , offering an opportunity to make mental health resources even more accessible to people around the world .
26 www . intelligenthealth . tech