Emily Schupmann Counseling Announces Latest Insights on Fostering Emotional Safety Through Couples Therapy

Emily Schupmann Counseling & Associates has released an influential new article delving into the transformative nature of couples therapy in cultivating emotional vulnerability. Specializing in Couples Counseling in Fort Worth, the practice highlights how intentional guidance and support can help partners strengthen trust, deepen connection, and foster lasting relationship growth. Titled “How Couples Therapy Creates a Safe Space for Emotional Vulnerability,” this resource explores how a secure therapeutic space empowers partners to be open and honest—laying the groundwork for strengthened relationships.

The article highlights the significance of emotional transparency in building lasting connections, acknowledging that many couples struggle to communicate their deeper feelings due to past hurts, fear of criticism, or ingrained habits of self-protection. By encouraging honest dialogue and empathetic listening, couples therapy gives clients the tools to dismantle misconceptions and approach each other with compassion.

Describing the therapist’s role, the blog details the strategies—such as guided reflection, skillful questioning, and collaborative exercises—that foster trust and safety. Therapy provides a neutral environment where both individuals can express themselves without fear of blame or escalation, encouraging them to replace defensiveness with curiosity and understanding.

Confidentiality and acceptance serve as pillars of safety in therapy sessions. The article discusses how, within these boundaries, couples can address recurring interaction patterns—including cycles of withdrawal or confrontation—and learn to resolve differences collaboratively. By speaking candidly about hopes, fears, and needs, partners can begin to heal past wounds and develop genuine intimacy.

Rather than avoiding conflict, the piece proposes that emotional security is built through the shared experience of overcoming challenges. Therapy becomes a pathway to authentic communication, forgiveness, and personal growth—setting the stage for lasting trust and resilience.

Emily Schupmann Counseling & Associates offers couples counseling services in Fort Worth designed to foster this level of safety, helping partners reconnect, communicate more effectively, and build a shared vision for the future.

For additional information or to book a private session, please contact Emily Schupmann Counseling & Associates directly.

What Makes a Good De-Addiction Centre? Key Factors to Look For

Standing at the crossroads of addiction and recovery often feels confusing. Families look for hope, individuals look for relief, and everyone wants answers that make sense. A quality de–addiction centre offers more than detox beds and therapy rooms; it offers a path back to stable living. Choosing wisely can save time, safeguard dignity, and set the stage for lasting change. Centres like Sukoon demonstrate how carefully designed care can transform a difficult chapter into a turning point. Read on to know more.

Basic understanding

Before exploring the finer details, it helps to know what “good” really means in this context. A strong de addiction centre:

• Cares for the person, not just the habit
• Combines medical skill with emotional understanding. 
• Creates an atmosphere of safety, comfort, and respect
• Plans for life after discharge, not only the weeks inside the facility

With that framework in mind, the following sections break down the specific qualities to watch for.

Key Things to Look for in a Good De-Addiction Centre

The following are key things to look out for in an ideal

People come first

A centre must see more than the substance being misused. Behind every pattern of use lies a story of stress, trauma, or unresolved pain. When mental health professionals start with empathy, they invite cooperation instead of resistance.

Personalised assessments

On arrival, a thorough interview and physical check reveal the individual’s unique triggers, health concerns, and strengths. From there, every step—from therapy type to sleep schedule—adjusts to fit the person rather than forcing the person to fit the programme.

Skilled and collaborative team

Addiction care cannot rest on a single therapist. A balanced roster includes psychiatrists' assessments, counsellors, nurses, nutrition experts, and support staff who share information quickly. Regular team huddles allow them to spot small changes and modify treatment before minor issues become setbacks.

• Depth of knowledge keeps medical safety high.
• Shared decision-making gives each expert a voice, reducing blind spots.
• Consistent communication stops conflicting instructions, easing stress for the individual.

Healing environment

Walls, light, noise, and daily rhythm all influence mood. Thoughtful design removes unnecessary friction while encouraging healthy habits.

Privacy and comfort

Single rooms—furnished simply but warmly—allow rest without feeling exposed. Clean bedding, natural light, and calm colours lower anxiety and make therapy sessions more effective.

Immediate support round the clock

Cravings and panic do not follow office hours. A nurse station that stays open every hour of the day offers reassurance. Knowing help is always there reduces late-night despair and encourages honest sharing.

Balanced daily rhythm

Rigid timetables can feel punishing, yet loose schedules lead to boredom. The best centres strike a middle path: predictable wake-up times, meals that nourish, therapy blocks with breaks between, and evenings that wind down gently. Over time, the body relearns at a healthier pace.

Inclusive family engagement

Addiction ripples through households. When relatives understand the process, they move from helpless witnesses to supportive partners.

• Education sessions explain withdrawal signs, boundary setting, and relapse cues.
• Open channels keep families informed of progress without overwhelming them.
• Guided visits rebuild trust step by step, preventing emotional ambushes.

Varied and practical therapies

No single technique suits everyone. Centres that offer options allow individuals to explore what resonates:

• One-to-one counselling for private exploration of thoughts. 
• Group discussions that normalise shared struggles
• Creative outlets like art or music to express feelings words cannot reach
• Skill workshops on stress management, sleep hygiene, and assertive communication

The aim is not to flood the schedule with activities, but to select tools that fit the person’s readiness and goals.

Medication with mindful oversight

Some recoveries need medical support to manage withdrawal or mood swings. A careful centre:

• Prescribes only when benefits outweigh risks.
• Reviews doses often, adjusting gently rather than abruptly.
• Explains side effects in plain language so no one feels kept in the dark.
• When medication feels transparent, adherence rises and fear drops.

A plan that looks beyond the gate

Stepping back into daily life can trigger old patterns. Preparing for that moment starts on day one.

• The relapse prevention map outlines high-risk situations and coping tactics.
• Follow-up appointments keep momentum going after discharge.
• Peer support referrals provide community, replacing isolation with connection.
• Emergency contacts give immediate lifelines during unexpected urges.

Leaving the centre should feel like walking with a guidebook and phone numbers, not wandering alone.

Culture of compassion

Credentials impress on paper, yet tone and attitude shape lived experience. Signs of a compassionate culture include:

• Questions are answered without rush or condescension. 
• Setbacks are treated as information, not failure.
• Small victories—one full night of sleep, a clear meal plate—are noticed and praised.
• Such an environment chips away at shame, allowing genuine healing to take root.

Conclusion

Choosing a de addiction centre is a pivotal step. Focus on places that honour individuality, employ knowledgeable teams, and foster warmth alongside clinical skill. Look for spaces that feel calming the moment you walk in, schedules that support natural rhythms, and mental health professionals who understand both science and human emotion.

Recovery thrives where dignity is protected and growth is celebrated. With the right environment, the journey from dependence to stability becomes not only possible, but sustainable, giving individuals and their families the fresh start they deserve.

IIT Study Finds Indian Ragas Sculpt Brain Activity, Boost Focus & Calm

In a landmark fusion of India’s rich musical heritage and cutting-edge neuroscience, a new and recent study led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, has offered compelling scientific validation for a long-held cultural belief that music can transform the mind, exploring the dynamics of brain microtubules. Published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, the study reveals that listening to Indian Classical Ragas can significantly influence brain activity, enhancing attention, emotional regulation, and mental stability.

Conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur on 40 participants, the research employed advanced EEG microstate analysis, a real-time brain-mapping technique that captures momentary but meaningful patterns of neural activity. These “microstates,” often lasting just tens of milliseconds, represent the brain’s transient modes of operation such as attention, emotional engagement, or mind-wandering.

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (far left), Dr. Ashish Gupta (Centre), and  Prof. Braj Bhushan (far right) during the EEG-based music and brain experiment.

What makes this study exceptional is the measurable impact of specific Ragas on these brain states. Raga Darbari, known for its soothing and uplifting qualities, was found to increase attention-related microstates while reducing those associated with mind-wandering, indicating deeper focus and cognitive clarity.

In contrast, Raga Jogiya, a melancholic melody, not only enhanced attentional networks but also activated emotion-regulation microstates, enabling listeners to process emotions with calm and composure. “EEG microstates offer a window into how the brain operates moment by moment,” explained Prof. Behera. “It is remarkable to see how these ancient melodies consistently guide the brain into more stable and focused patterns.” Ashish Gupta, the first author of the study, emphasized that the shifts observed in neural activity were not random. “The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian Classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness,” he said.

With mental health challenges such as stress, burnout, and attention deficits on the rise, this research points to a culturally resonant, non-invasive alternative. The research team suggests that listening to Raga Darbari before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. The study doesn’t just underscore how people feel in response to music, it demonstrates how the brain structurally responds, offering new potential for music-based interventions in cognitive and emotional health. Professor Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur, co-author of the study, remarked, “This work reveals the remarkable capacity of Indian Classical music to engage cognitive and emotional systems. It opens a new path for developing personalized, music-based mental health support tools rooted in India’s cultural wisdom.”

In a further affirmation of the findings, the research team conducted a parallel study on Western participants, which confirmed similar effects of classical music on brain microstates. This cross-cultural consistency highlights the universal neurological power of classical music. Both studies, co-authored by Dr. Ashish Gupta, Mr. Chandan Kumar Srivastava, Prof. Braj Bhushan, and Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, have been published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

In doing so, they contribute not only to the scientific understanding of music’s influence on the brain, but also to a growing movement that harmonizes ancient traditions with modern science reminding us that the future of mental well-being may well lie in the timeless strains of the past.

How Social Media Affects Your Brain Chemistry

You check your phone without thinking, scroll endlessly, and suddenly—hours vanish. But what’s happening in your brain during this digital trance? Social media isn’t just shaping how we interact—it’s rewiring your neurochemistry in ways you might not expect.

The Dopamine Trap: Addiction by Design

Every notification, like, or comment triggers dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Platforms are engineered to keep you hooked, creating a reward cycle like gambling. Studies show that each scroll or swipe delivers micro-doses of dopamine, conditioning your brain to crave more, and often at the expense of real-world interactions.

The Stress Spiral: Anxiety and the Comparison Game

Social media amplifies stress. Constant exposure to highlight reels of others’ lives can make yours feel inadequate. This fuels cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to heightened anxiety, especially among younger users. Studies confirm that excessive screen time correlates with depression and self-esteem issues.[Report]

Attention Hijacking: The Shorter Span Phenomenon

Struggling to focus? Social media may be why. Platforms fragment your attention, making deep concentration harder. Frequent interruptions increase “switch-costs,” meaning your brain wastes energy shifting between tasks. Over time, this rewiring makes sustained focus nearly impossible.

Sleep Disruptions: Blue Light vs. Melatonin

The glow of your screen can suppress melatonin, the hormone regulating sleep. Late-night scrolling tricks your brain into staying alert, leading to poorer sleep quality and cognitive fatigue. Research warns that excessive phone use before bed reduces REM sleep, affecting memory and emotional regulation.

Escaping the Cycle: Reclaiming Your Brain

The good news? You can rewire your brain for balance:

• Curate your feed: Follow content that enriches, not drains, your mind.
• Set time limits: Reduce endless scrolling with intentional habits.
• Digital detox: Scheduled screen-free time resets your dopamine cycle.
• Mindful consumption: Engage actively—don’t just passively absorb.

Social media isn’t inherently bad—it’s about how you use it. Understanding its effects empowers you to take control, making it a tool rather than a trap.

How Addiction Affects Mental Health: The Connection

Addiction is becoming more and more of a problem in the UK, and it’s creating a vicious cycle with mental health issues. We’re living in a society where the likes of alcohol and drug abuse are spiking, while mental health conditions among people are also growing.

What people often don’t realise is the two are very much interlinked too, with many people struggling with their mental health turning to drink or drugs to cope, but in fact that can just make matters worse.

Visit any alcohol and drug rehab and you’ll see just how linked they are and understanding that can be crucial in not only helping yourself, but also friends, family, colleagues or anyone else you know who may be struggling.

The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health

What’s important to note is that addiction is a chronic disease that is often lived with alongside mental health disorders, with many people living with addiction also struggling with the likes of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

One of the main reasons for this is the impact of different substances on the brain and its chemistry. Essentially, drugs and alcohol alter our neurotransmitters and affect our mood cognitive functioning and behaviour, which over time can cause imbalances that lead to worsening mental health.

As we’ve mentioned, people with mental health disorders will often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating, which may provide a temporary relief, but will exacerbate conditions in the long run.

How Addiction Contributes to Mental Health Disorders

When it comes to connecting the two, addiction can contribute to and worsen several mental health disorders, which include:

Depression

Most commonly, people turn to substances to provide relief from symptoms of depression, but it can deepen sadness, hopelessness and isolation in the long run. That’s because substances can interfere with dopamine and serotonin levels, both of which are neurotransmitters responsible for regulating our mood.

Anxiety Disorders

People often turn to alcohol or drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine to get the euphoric buzz or increased confidence they provide, but long term usage can significantly heighten anxiety disorders and lead to the likes of paranoia, and panic attacks.

This happens during the withdrawal phases, which can create a potentially life-threatening cycle of addiction, where people turn again and again to substances, unable to live without them.

Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Some substances, such as cannabis, methamphetamine and hallucinogens have even been found to heighten psychotic episodes and increase the risk of developing conditions like schizophrenia, especially in those that have a genetic predisposition to the disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Unfortunately, those that have suffered trauma in their life often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the difficulties they are going through and that can impair cognitive functioning and worsen the likes of flashbacks, nightmares and emotional instability, particularly during periods where not under the influence of substances.

The Cycle of Addiction and Mental Health Struggles

Unfortunately, what too many people aren’t aware of is that addiction and mental health disorders are so interlinked, often creating a cycle that’s so difficult to break. Mental health problems can drive people to seek relief in substances, but as a result this only exacerbates issues in the long run.

Meanwhile, those who are drinking more, taking drugs more are more likely to see mental health issues come to the surface, heightening the likes of anxiety and paranoia.

One major problem is the stigma around seeking help for both problems. Many fear that they will be judged or discriminated against for seeking help, essentially seeing people suffer in silence and further deepen their dependence on substances, when help and finding healthier coping mechanisms is really what they need.

Treatment and Recovery

Addressing both addiction and mental health conditions is so important for an effective recovery and, thankfully, the stigma around that is reducing as more people talk about their conditions and get the help they need.

There are many ways in which people can get help and ensure they get their life back on track, so if you or someone you know is struggling, here are some options to get lives back on track.

Detoxification and Medication

Medical supervision during detoxification can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilisers may be necessary to manage co-occurring mental health conditions.

Therapy and Counselling

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other counselling methods can help individuals address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to manage their mental health.

Support Groups

Peer support programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a sense of community and encouragement for those in recovery.

Lifestyle Changes

Incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, mindfulness practices, and social engagement can significantly improve mental well-being and reduce the likelihood of relapse

WinZO and Tata Memorial Hospital Partner to Set-Up India’s 1st Gene Counseling Facility

Through WinZO’s ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ initiative, the platform and its users contribute to India’s first genetic counseling and testing lab.

WinZO launched the initiative ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ to raise funds for early cancer detection through gene counselling and also to create awareness for its 200 million user bases on the critical role of early cancer detection. Through its ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ hour on its platform, WinZO raised funds from its users and its 200 team members matched the amount raised through its user base to expand the total donation. This amount was donated to Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Hospital and will be used to train the gene counselling team at the Tata Memorial Hospital.

WinZO opted to scale India’s early cancer detection capabilities since cancer has now become one of leading causes of death and imposes heavy burden on the patients, their caregivers, and families at large. During 2000-2019, ~13 mn Indians lost their lives to 23 forms of cancer; this is twice the size of Singapore. In 2022, globally there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The number of new annual cases is expected to rise to new 35 million cases by 2050. However, during the last 20 years, there have been significant breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care. The most impactful intervention comes at the stage of Genetic Counselling, rapidly emerging as the pivotal tool to preempt and mitigate the risk of cancer.

The partnership between WinZO, India’s largest interactive social gaming platform, and Tata Memorial Hospital aims to address the burgeoning risk of cancer through genetic counselling to improve knowledge of genetics prone to cancer and support early detection and treatment among prospective cancer patients in India.

The focus of the initiative is skill development for genetic counselling, supporting critical interventions on gene reporting & screening, and family counselling. Such investment in skilling and training on gene counselling is likely to have a network effect on how we address the concerns around cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection. This intervention will expand India's capacity to provide genetic counselling through the country's low-cost genetic testing lab at Tata Memorial Hospital, allowing more Indians from different socioeconomic backgrounds to access this critical intervention.

Dr. Rajiv Sarin, Head of the Cancer Genetics Clinic and Cancer Genetics/Genomics Lab at Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasized the importance of capacity building and skilling: “I thank WinZO and its users for their invaluable contributions. Their support for Genetic Counselling Professionals will be crucial in assisting millions of Indians diagnosed with cancer. These Cancer Genetic Professionals would provide timely, culturally sensitive, individualised, and evidence-based genetic counselling to cancer patients To maximize the impact of donated resources, such as equipment or infrastructure, we need an army of well-trained, motivated professionals.”

The journey of a cancer patient and their caregivers is also riddled with mental health challenges. Data shows that up to 20% of cancer patients experience depression, and 10% experience anxiety, regardless of the treatment phase or point in the disease trajectory. The same data also mentions that over 35–40% of cancer patients have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, including neuropsychiatric manifestations and stress-related, neurocognitive, adjustment, and somatic symptom disorders. Together, these challenges increase the suicide risk of patients and loneliness, particularly in the early stages after diagnosis.

Games on WinZO’s platform also often serve as a therapeutic tool to reduce stress, anxiety, and social isolation related to illness, providing distraction through entertainment, and enhancing mental agility among cancer patients. Casual social games like on WinZO’s platform offers cancer patients an avenue to explore alternative coping methods by playing games that improve cognitive benefits such as attention control, cognitive flexibility, and information processing, thereby addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety. WinZO’s users highlighted how its games have struck a chord with patients undergoing cancer treatment and facing the associated mental health challenges. They have mentioned how it made them part of the larger community and provided a sense of belonging through physical isolation. This drastically reduced their anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Nachiket Mor, Scientist at The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health, further highlighted the potential of gaming in healthcare, "Cancer patients often face significant mental health challenges, with up to 90% experiencing anxiety and many older adults battling loneliness post-diagnosis. The fight against cancer can leave you with long-term mental health issues, not only for the patient but also for their families. Online gaming offers a promising yet underutilized tool to support mental well-being, improve treatment adherence, and educate patients in an engaging and non-intimidating way. By integrating gaming into cancer care, we can foster resilience, enhance patient support, and create a more compassionate healthcare system, providing a significant avenue to support patients during times of crisis and for addressing long-term challenges such as depression, anxiety, and more."

A cancer survivor and user of WinZO, shared their experience, "Gaming on WinZO’s platform was a huge relief for me. Whenever I felt anxious or overwhelmed, I would take a few minutes to play, focusing on my strategy and the game rather than my worries. The fast-paced games, often lasting just 2-3 minutes, redirected my energy toward something positive and mentally engaging. Whether solving word puzzles or working with numbers, these games distracted me and built my mental skills, keeping me motivated and optimistic during challenging times.”

About WinZO

WinZO is the largest social gaming and interactive entertainment platform in India. Launched in early 2018, the Company partners with third-party developers to host games on their platform, where users can enjoy personalized multiplayer gameplay experiences. The platform is available in 15 languages such as English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and Bhojpuri, with over 200 million registered users. The WinZO platform facilitates over 5 billion game plays across a portfolio of 100+ games. WinZO is focused on building an enthusiastic community of gamers and gaming influencers in Tier 2 – 5 cities in India. The company envisions a future where the WinZO platform can deliver a culturally relevant and enjoyable experience in the Indian gaming ecosystem, monetized through a unique micro-transaction model.​​

WinZO, a series-C funded venture, has raised $100 million from Marquee gaming and entertainment investors such as Griffin Gaming Partners, Courtside Ventures, Makers Fund, all of whom made their first investment in the Indian start-up ecosystem through WinZO.

6 Countries that Implemented or Considering Ban on Social Media for Users Under Certain Age

Recently, Australia has passed a bill to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others. The legislation aims to address concerns over online safety and the negative impact of social media on young people's mental health.

This legislation, which was approved by the Australian Senate on November 29, 2024, imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately Rs 275 crore) on social media companies that fail to prevent underage users from creating accounts. Messaging apps and online gaming platforms are exempt from this ban.

Besides Australia, more countries have implemented or are considering age restrictions for social media use to protect young people from potential online harms.

Here are some examples:

1. United Kingdom:

While the UK does not currently have plans for an Australia-style ban, it has passed the Online Safety Act, which sets stricter standards for social media platforms, including age-appropriate restrictions. The UK is considering a similar ban for individuals under 16. The Online Safety Act aims to enforce the removal of detrimental posts and protect young people from harmful content.

2. France:

In France, children under 15 cannot create a social media account without parental consent. The government requires legally documented parental consent for accessing social media platforms.

Social media firms that fail to comply with these regulations face fines of up to 1% of their global revenues. France is also advocating for an EU-wide adoption of similar regulations, urging other European countries to follow its lead.

3. United States:

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) mandates that children under 13 cannot legally have a social media account. Some states, like Ohio and Florida, have required parental permission for minors to use social media.

In a proposed Federal Legislation, the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 for social media use and require parental consent for users aged 13 to 17.

Montana has banned TikTok within the state. New Jersey has established a commission to study the effects of social media on adolescent.

4. South Korea:

South Korea had a "shutdown law" that limits children under 16 from accessing gaming sites after midnight. However, this law has faced challenges with enforcement.

Initially introduced in 2011, the Cinderella Law or shutdown law banned children under 15 from playing online games between midnight and 6 a.m. to prevent tiredness in school. However, it was replaced in 2021 with a "choice permit" system, allowing parents to set approved playing times.

In August this year lawmakers in South Korea proposed a bill aimed at regulating use of social media by under-16.

5. Norway:

Norway is set to enact a strict age minimum of 15 for social media use following a government campaign against social media giants.

The current minimum age limit to use social media in Norway is 13, which is in line with the requirements of TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat’s terms of service.

Last month, Norway has announced plans to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15. This decision aims to protect children from harmful online content and data collection practices. Social media platforms will need to implement age verification measures to ensure that users are at least 15 years old.

In India, the country has Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, requires data fiduciaries to collect verifiable parental consent from parents of children under the age of 18 for processing their data online.

In 2023, the Karnataka High Court suggested to the Union Government to implement an age limit of 21 for accessing social media, citing concerns about excessive addiction among schoolchildren and its negative impact.

In the EU, parental consent is required for processing personal data for children under the age of 16, although member states can lower this limit to 13.

These measures reflect a growing global effort to protect young people from the potential negative effects of social media.

HMD Collaborates with Parents to Create New Phone for Children to Protect Their Mental Wellbeing

The Better Phone Project by HMD is an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the impact of smartphone use and social media on children's mental wellbeing.

In collaboration with parents, HMD is developing a phone specifically designed for children, providing an alternative to traditional smartphones. The goal is to empower parents with more control over their child's screen time and social media usage, ultimately promoting better balance and safeguarding the mental health of the next generation.

As part of The Better Phone Project, HMD commissioned new global research to provide insight into the dilemmas parents face when it comes to their children and smartphone use. The research findings, conducted in July 2024, revealed 11 is the average age when a parent hands over a smartphone to their child for the first time – but many confessed they wished they had waited longer. 10,092 parents were interviewed, across 5 different countries, United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany and Australia.

HMD plans to tackle the issue with a suite of new devices – including a new phone– and wants parents to be a part of creating a solution that works for them as part of The Better Phone Project.

The Better Phone is designed with features that prioritize children's mental wellbeing and parental control. While specific details are still emerging, below are some anticipated features:

1. Customizable Screen Time Limits: Parents can set daily usage limits for apps and screen time.
2. Safe Browsing: A curated web browser with age-appropriate content.
3. Parental Monitoring: Real-time insights into app usage, websites visited, and social media activity.
4. Distraction-Free Mode: A mode that minimizes notifications during study or sleep hours.
5. Emergency Contacts: Quick access to emergency numbers.
6. Privacy Controls: Enhanced privacy settings for photos, location, and personal data.
7. Educational Apps: Pre-installed educational apps and games.

It is to be noted that these features are subject to change as the project evolves.

HMD is also keen to work with anyone who is interested in this subject and would like to be part of the journey to create change and new solutions. They can sign-up to be involved at https://www.hmd.com/en_int/better-phone-project.

Pioneering Speech Therapy for the Digital Age: The Wellness Hub and Speech BASICS Revolution

In a rapidly evolving world of early childhood development, one Hyderabad-based startup, Wellness Hub, is making significant strides. Recognized by the Google Play Store in 2023 for its contributions, Wellness Hub is on a mission to transform Speech Therapy, making it more accessible, affordable, and effective than ever before. This mission is critical, especially for children with special needs, such as those experiencing autism, developmental delays, and speech issues.

Tele-BASICS: A New Frontier in Online Speech Therapy

At the heart of Wellness Hub's innovation is the Synchronized Whiteboard, a tool that is revolutionizing how speech therapy is delivered. Designed to bridge the gap between therapists and clients, it enables real-time collaboration, allowing for immediate feedback and a more hands-on therapeutic session. This technology is not just another digital tool; it's a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to meet the nuanced needs of online therapy.

Introducing Speech BASICS: Mastering First Words and Beyond

In its arsenal of innovative tools, Wellness Hub has introduced Speech BASICS, an app developed by qualified Speech & Language Pathologists. The app is designed to help children learn their first words, covering a broad spectrum of categories from animals to emotions and vehicles to colors. Speech BASICS stands out by providing a fun, interactive learning experience that significantly improves children’s pronunciation, speech, and language skills. This app is especially beneficial for children facing speech-related challenges like Speech Delay, Articulation Disorders, Down Syndrome, Stuttering/Stammering, Apraxia of Speech ,Speech sound Disorders, Speech therapy for Autism, Lisp and Language disorders offering them a robust platform to practice and improve their communication abilities.

Autism BASICS App: Comprehensive Learning for Special Needs

Parallel to Speech BASICS, the Autism BASICS app offers a holistic approach to learning for children with Autism and other special needs. This app is a testament to Wellness Hub's commitment to providing an effective, comprehensive learning companion. By focusing on Behavioral, Academic, Sensory, Independent/Self-Help, Communication, and Social Skills, Autism BASICS app ensures a well-rounded development for its users.

Support for Caregivers

Understanding the journey of development is not just for the child but also involves those who care for them, Wellness Hub offers extensive resources for caregivers. From free developmental checklists to consultations with experts, the platform is designed to empower parents and caregivers, providing them with the knowledge and support needed to guide their children through their developmental milestones.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Therapy

Incorporating technology into therapy sessions has proven to be a game-changer. Wellness Hub utilizes various technological innovations, such as augmentative and alternative communication techniques, to make therapy sessions more engaging and effective. These technologies are tailored to meet the individual needs of children, ensuring that they receive the most personalized and impactful therapy possible.

The Synchronized Whiteboard & Speech BASICS in Action

The Synchronized Whiteboard and Speech BASICS app are pivotal in Wellness Hub’s approach to speech therapy. They offer interactive and engaging methods to therapy, making it easier for children to grasp complex concepts and improve their communication skills. The real-time feedback and personalized session planning tools further enhance the effectiveness of therapy, providing a pathway to success for children with speech and communication challenges.

The Wellness Hub Commitment

At its core, Wellness Hub is driven by a commitment to ensure that speech therapy is not a privilege but a reachable goal for children everywhere. The Synchronized Whiteboard, Speech BASICS, and Autism BASICS apps are a reflection of this commitment. By leveraging technology and innovation, Wellness Hub is making strides towards a future where every child has the opportunity to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Conclusion

The journey of speech therapy is evolving, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Wellness Hub. Through innovative tools like the Synchronized Whiteboard and Speech BASICS app, the company is not just transforming therapy; it's changing lives. By making speech therapy more accessible and engaging, Wellness Hub ensures that no child is left behind in their ability to communicate. In this digital age, the company stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right tools and dedication, every voice can find its strength and every child can achieve their potential.

Author Bio

I am Akash Sinha, the tech brain behind WellnessHub. I’ve dedicated my work to creating tools and apps for amazing kids who might need a bit of extra support, like those with Autism or speech challenges.

Mental Health Startup LISSUN Unveils Sunshine, An Offline Centre Dedicated to Child Mental Health Development

Sunshine by LISSUN is dedicated to helping children overcome a range of psychological challenges, including issues related to adolescence, relationship dynamics, behaviour, parental management, career choices, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and more

LISSUN, India’s one of the largest mental health platforms, has announced the launch of its first offline centre for children facing developmental and behavioural disorders- Sunshine by LISSUN. This initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges faced by parents and children in finding quality care for issues like Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, etc. The first Sunshine Centre has been inaugurated in the vibrant neighbourhood of East Patel Nagar, New Delhi. The announcement follows the recent addition of renowned psychologist Dr. Roma Kumar to its team, further enhancing LISSUN’s expertise in child mental health.

LISSUN Unveils Sunshine, Child Mental Health Development centre

 The centre boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including counselling rooms, occupational therapy areas, assessment zones, and more, ensuring a seamless experience for both parents and children. Each Sunshine Centre will feature a dedicated team of Developmental paediatricians, Clinical Psychologists, Speech Therapists, Occupation Therapists, Special Educators, and ABA therapists to help provide multi-disciplinary expertise to parents and their children.

“Amidst the distressing reality that over 50 million children in India grapple with mental health and developmental or behavioural issues, an alarming 80-90% struggle without seeking support. Regrettably, the system remains inadequately funded to tackle this pressing crisis. At LISSUN, we stand firmly dedicated to fostering the well-being of the next generation through the introduction of Sunshine, a profound initiative prioritizing the development of children. We believe that every child deserves access to comprehensive support, and it is our mission to bridge the gap between the need and the available resources. Through Sunshine, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and receive expert guidance tailored to their unique needs.” said Mr. Tarun Gupta, Co-founder & Director, LISSUN.

“In recognizing the limitations of relying solely on a 100 percent digital model for assessing a child’s behaviour, it becomes evident that ensuring accurate findings requires a physical presence. LISSUN has long embraced a phygital approach, understanding the indispensable role of a physical structure in this field backed by a strong tech backbone. Hence, launching the inaugural physical centre for Sunshine by LISSUN signifies yet another stride towards our mission,” stated Dr. Krishna Veer Singh, Co-founder & Director, LISSUN.

Going forward, LISSUN has ambitious plans to establish a chain of Sunshine centres nationwide. In the initial phase, multiple centres are set to be launched in Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Delhi NCR region. This expansion aims to extend the reach and amplify the positive impact of this pioneering initiative, ensuring that children across different locations have access to comprehensive mental health support.

About LISSUN

Launched on 15th August 2021, Headquartered in Gurugram, LISSUN is an organization that has been established to address the rising challenge of mental illness in society. LISSUN was founded by two industry veterans, Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta, to provide individuals with the right guidance, therapies, and solutions for their emotional and mental well-being in a world full of conflicts. The platform provides end-to-end care for mental health by offering self-diagnosis through tech tools and then provides the necessary treatment to the patient.

Mental Wellness Startup LISSUN Launches Its iOS Mobile App for Users

Updates its android application and website for a seamless experience

LISSUN, a mental wellness start-up, has announced the launch of its much-anticipated iOS app for users. Additionally, the brand has also updated its platform and the Android version to offer a 360-degree upgraded and personalized experience. LISSUN has launched a revamped version of the app and website to make it easier for users to access the new features and personalize their experience.

The brand has added various features on all the versions to make it easier for users to navigate and access support in lesser clicks. With the addition of new features on both the iOS and Android versions, users can book a session and attend online therapy with the click of a button. Other notable features added by the healthcare brand include one-on-one chat, which allows users to connect and chat with the therapist; Assessment and Notes feature, which will help diagnose the specific issues of the patients and allow the therapist to share a detailed report, pointers, or suggestions based on the assessment post session. Furthermore, LISSUN has updated the content of the resources for self-help and awareness and launched LGBTQ+ as an additional content category to promote gender inclusivity.

Mr. Tarun Gupta, Co-founder LISSUN said, “At LISSUN, we always take a proactive and preventative approach to mental health and wellbeing. We are delighted to roll out the IOS app and updates of other platforms, which marks yet another significant milestone of our mission in the mental well-being journey. Having access to multiple features, patients can easily practice consistent routines that help nurture mental health, which in turn ignites well-being, performance, and growth. We hope with the launch, we will be able to take a step ahead towards supporting those in need while also continuing to open up the conversation on mental health.”

Accessing the platform is completely free for users, and they only pay for high-end services such as online therapies, chat sessions, assessments, etc. In the coming quarters, users will be able to attend a personalized wellness plan curated by their therapist based on their specific challenges. Users will be able to attend group therapies and communicate via text with their peers dealing with similar issues.

According to the mental wellness brand, they don’t intend to introduce a subscription model anytime soon but are working diligently to launch the app in various languages to achieve its vision of changing the lives of millions of people and benefiting them by providing psychological support in all aspects of their daily lives. The brand’s core team is made up of alumni from IIT, IIM, ISB, and NIMHANS. The platform has already reached over 10000+ users and aims to assist over 25000 people by the end of fiscal year 22-23

About LISSUN

Launched on 15th August 2021, Headquartered in Gurugram, LISSUN is an organization that has been established to address the rising challenge of mental illness in society. LISSUN has been founded by two industry veterans, Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta, to provide individuals with the right guidance, therapies, and solutions for their emotional and mental well-being in a world full of conflicts. The platform provides end-to-end care for mental health by offering self-diagnosis through tech tools and then provides the necessary treatment to the patient through in-house psychologists

LISSUN, A Mental and Emotional Wellness Startup Announces the 2nd Edition of its Yearly campaign -'#LISSUNToYourMind'

Campaign to celebrate World Mental Health Day theme "Mental Health in an Unequal World"

Vows to change the lives of millions of people, and celebrates the milestone of 25000+ successful stories

LISSUN- a start-up offering end-to-end mental and emotional wellness, has announced the second edition of its yearly digital property – '#LISSUNToYourMind'. The start-up founded the campaign to spread awareness and resonate the message of 'Mental health care for all: let's make it a reality last year. Over the span of the year, it could sustain the wave and successfully touch the lives of 25000+ people in need for emotional and mental well-being. This year, on the occasion of Mental Health Day, the brand has come up with the second edition of the campaign to celebrate the success achieved so far and share the ambition of the coming year with everyone.

Under the campaign Lissun will conduct two-day virtual events consisting of panel discussions. On day one it will have esteemed guests from diverse fields to address the subject of – Mental Health Interventions within the Systems of Society & Health Care. While on day 2, it will elaborate on the topic of - Creating Access to quality mental health care: Struggle, Needs & Challenges in consultation with healthcare companies, doctors and even corporates. The brand believes that starting the conversations is the first step towards a healthier tomorrow. Therefore, the panel discussion is aimed at initiating the same for all out there. The same will be followed by sessions on art therapy, mindfulness, competition for college students, etc.

“Last year, the campaign received a tremendous response, highlighting the significance of mental health and its significance beyond traditional psychiatry setups to us. Therefore, we decided to share with the people the success stories that we have been able to write over the last 365 days, which would encourage others too. And with a credible panel, we will share the knowledge and information that one needs to devise an informed approach towards dealing with the challenges,” said Dr. Krishna Veer Singh, Co-founder, Lissun.

The seminar will be open across the social media platforms of LISSUN and easily accessible for the audience.

“Following the campaign, we understood the barriers even better. It is not a one-way conversation but a dialogue that we establish through this campaign. This opens the stage for audiences and enables us to devise an approach that suits those in need. After all, we are trying to solve it for millions of people here, and the one-size-fits-all approach will never help. We could achieve our ambition the last time and have brought new subjects which we understood required to address this year. With all the optimism, we hope to make a difference this year too,” said Mr. Tarun Gupta, Co-founder of Lissun.

LISSUN through its unique model of integrating mental health into mainstream healthcare is being able to penetrate tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India where mental health has remained a taboo. Following its ultimate aim of bringing mental and emotional wellness under the mainstream, the brand has onboarded reputed healthcare practitioners from across the country and collaborated with various medical establishments so that it reaches a broader audience and impacts more lives.

About LISSUN

Launched on August 15, 2021, Headquartered in Gurugram, LISSUN is an organization established to address the mental and emotional health issues in India comprehensively. They aim to achieve the same by solving for 6As of mental health: Awareness, Acceptance, Anonymity, Access, Affordability, and Assurance. Two industry veterans founded LISSUN, Dr. Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta, to provide individuals with the proper guidance, therapies, and solutions for their emotional and mental wellbeing in a world full of challenges. The platform offers end-to-end care for mental health by focusing on delivering preventive care to millions by productizing or augmenting psychotherapies, in-house quality therapists, access to user communities, and an extensive self-help library.

GPS Renewables Partners with YourDOST for mHSE (Mental & Physical Health, Safety and Environment)

This initiative by GPS Renewables aims to go beyond HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) and focus on holistic mental and physical well-being of their staff via a new concept called mHSE (Mental & Physical Health, Safety and Environment)

In a one-of-its-kind initiative in the EPC Sector (Engineering, Procurement, Construction), GPS Renewables, a Bengaluru based biofuels technology and EPC firm, has partnered with YourDOST, to promote employee mental well-being and prioritise holistic health. As part of this effort, GPS employees will have access to unlimited counselling sessions as well as regular mental health awareness sessions at project sites.

GPS Renewables is a leading Bio-Energy company with specific focus on biofuels ranging from Biogas, BioCNG, Ethanol and Green Hydrogen. In line with their vision to become the world's leading Bioenergy project developer, GPS builds biofuel infrastructure at scale.

Through this partnership with YourDOST, GPS Renewables will undertake a number of mental well-being initiatives that include the following

Online sessions to highlight the importance of mHSE (Mental & Physical Health, Safety and Environment): Regular sessions will be conducted by YourDOST to sensitise staff on how mental well-being plays a huge role in the overall health of an individual.

Awareness programs at project sites: Sessions will be held with contractual labourers and other on-ground staff on the importance of seeking help and encouraging them to have open conversations around their mental health

• Unlimited counselling sessions: Detailed counselling sessions will be made available for all employees and their dependants.
• Employee Checkins: Regular employee engagement and checkins to ensure their emotional wellbeing at GPS
• Monthly activities: YourDOST will host monthly sessions revolving around building awareness about managing work-related stress and how it can impact mental and physical well-being.

Commenting on the initiative, Rukmani Kapoor, Chief of Staff, GPS Renewables, said, “ At GPS Renewables, we don't just focus on building a great business. We want to focus on building lives with the right mindset. We believe that conversations around mental health should not just be limited to people who work in tech companies or those that put in long hours in front of their laptops. In a typical EPC company today, the culture is generally characterised by complete focus on only work at hand, with no necessary employee engagement or initiatives that focus on the emotional health of an employee. This initiative is a step towards changing that narrative. Our aim is to go beyond just ensuring HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) and focus on mHSE (Mental & Physical Health, Safety and Environment).”

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Richa Singh, CEO & Co-Founder, YourDOST, said, “We are thrilled to work with GPS Renewables and support them in their effort to promote mental wellness at the workplace. At YourDOST, we believe that mental health has a direct impact on an individual’s professional, personal, and financial domain. It’s important to take active steps to balance the four quadrants of life-Personal, Professional Life, Financial Independence, and Social Life. We hope that many more companies like GPS will come forward to actively promote mental well-being in sectors beyond technology.”

About GPS Renewables

GPS Renewables is a Series B funded cleantech company headquartered in Bangalore. The company focuses on biofuel technologies to solve the organic waste management challenge, accelerate substitution of fossil fuel with bioenergy and play a key role in mitigating climate change. Starting from captive biogas plants, GPS has scaled up to setup some of the world’s largest BioCNG plants, including Indore city’s recently commissioned 500TPD BioCNG plant.

Evolve, An LGBTQ+ Community-focused Mental Health-Tech Startup Raises INR 3 Cr in Pre-Seed Funding

Evolve Founders – Rohan Arora(L) & Anshul Kamath(R)

With over 2,50,000 users, Evolve is the world’s first holistic mental health app that focuses on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Evolve, a mental health start-up, today announced that they have successfully raised a pre-seed round of INR 3 crore. The round was led by Rajesh Ranavat, Exec Director, Fung Strategic Holding and saw participation from prominent angel investors including Ankit Mehrotra and Nikhil Bakshi (Founders, Dineout) as well as senior global executives from Meta and McKinsey.

Co-founded by Anshul Kamath and Rohan Arora in 2020, Evolve has over 2,50,000 users globally and was awarded the Best App for Personal Growth in 2021 by Google Play. The app and its proprietary interface provide users with a virtual safe space along with personalised, evidence-based interventions to improve their mental health.

Evolve is the only mental health app at a global level that is LGBTQ+ first. Even as India celebrates the 4th anniversary of Section 377 being struck down and multiple other countries including Singapore having recently decriminalised homosexuality - the LGBTQ+ community is one of the most underserved segments when it comes to their mental health needs. Over the last year, the team has spent a considerable amount of time working with queer affirmative therapists, members of the community as well as professors carrying out research in this space to truly understand the needs of the community.

Commenting at the time, founder Anshul Kamath said, “Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are 3 to 4 times as likely to experience serious mental illness. We are proud to be one of the first companies globally solving for the needs of the community and our user growth and love are testaments to the quality of our offerings so far. Our plans are to use the funds we have now secured to expand the core team at Evolve and invest in building a world-class product that continues to provide individual and collective safe spaces for users around the world.”

Lead investor Rajesh Ranavat, added, “In a short period of time, Evolve has built a very compelling mental health app which operates totally on an interactive AI platform enabling it to scale up at a global level. The early success in terms of adoption by more than 200,000 users globally and recognition by Google Play as one of the top personal growth apps puts it in good stead for its next stage of growth.”

Founded in 2020, Evolve is a healthtech startup, that was once nominated by Google as one of the Top 10 user apps across India. The app helps in — sleeping well, dealing with depression, overcoming anxiety, become more productive, de-stress & improve your mental health to achieve happiness by scientifically proven techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Talk to Myself - A Self-Talk App Enabling You to Meet and Connect With Your True Self

Talk to Myself to Change Life

The app allows users to capture their emotions, perspectives, and knowledge in the most user-friendly way so that they can reflect on their life with a clear and broader lens.

It’s a useful way to check in with yourself and organize thoughts and feelings,” says psychology fellow Grace Tworek, PsyD. It helps with Critical thinking, Increased focus, Stress reduction, Motivation, and A personal check-in.

Talk To Myself is a self-talk app that enables users to meet and connect with their true selves in a simple yet effective way. The app allows users to capture their emotions, perspectives, and knowledge in the most user-friendly way so that they can reflect on their life with a clear and broader lens.

By using Talk To Myself, users can document and archive memorable moments to remember how they felt in that moment.

What Can You Do with the "Talk to Myself" App -

Life Logging: After a long and chaotic day, we all need a place where we can share our secrets, ideas, thoughts, and plans without any filter or pretense. People love to talk to themselves and it is important to know why. Documenting ideas is just one aspect of the need for people to talk to themselves. Additionally, sharing what’s going on in our minds has a lot of psychological and feel-good effects.

Secrets: The one thing that we all have in common is that we all have secrets, big and small. However, secrets can be a big burden and can add a lot of baggage to us. Therefore, we need a place to tell what’s going on in our minds because we can not always share our secrets with someone else.

Ideas, thoughts, and feelings: Moreover, there are lots of ideas, thoughts, and feelings going on in our minds almost all the time. Talk To Myself is an app that enables users to meet and connect with their true selves. It is a happy place where users have no pressure to decorate things. Using Talk To Myself, they can simply jot down, take a memo, or make notes without showing off, decorating things, or judging themselves.

Record precise moments: Even during the chaos of a long day, there are certain moments we want to remember and cherish. Before welcoming another long day in our lives, it feels good to count our blessings and be grateful for the happy moments that we have been blessed with. By using Talk To Myself, users can make these memorable moments count by recording them and precisely storing how they felt in that moment.

Pouring feelings and letting them go: The app works on a simple concept that the best way to find oneself in the rush of a million emotions and thoughts is to let out whatever is going on in their mind. By writing anything as if they are talking to themselves, people can use Talk To Myself to let it all out and feel better.

Personal Archive: It is no surprise that so many users are simply using the Talk To Myself app to document and archive anything and everything that crosses their minds. This simple and effective mechanism helps them to record and save their own story, which only they can read anytime later.

Reflecting on life: As thinking individuals, introspection and self-reflection are critical to our well-being. They simply can't be ignored in today’s day and age. Practicing self-reflection efficiently can bring a lot of peace and harmony to our lives and that is yet another reason why users love to use the Talk To Myself app. The app allows them to capture their emotions, perspectives, and knowledge in the most user-friendly way so that they can reflect on their life with a clear and broader lens.

"Hey, this is the best app I've ever downloaded. You can talk to yourself through messages, unlike a normal diary. It gives me a lot of peace and relaxation. Now this app stays forever with me,” shared one of the users who has largely benefited from using Talk To Myself.

Another happy user who had long been waiting for an app like Talk To Myself, said -

I actually needed an app like this. Sometimes, there’s no one to talk to or you just don’t want to bother anyone. I feel like I can let my burdens out without bothering anyone. This is my first time rating an app but I just love it. I wish I found apps like this sooner.

Designed and developed by Horizon Corporation, the app offers a simple yet effective first-of-a-kind UI for users to Talk To Themselves, anytime, anywhere. What’s more- The app offers a range of pleasant color themes to choose from. Users can also opt to make it password protected. Available on Google Play Store for free, Talk To Myself is the go-to app for users to connect with themselves and self-reflect on their lives. Indeed we all can move forward with a positive attitude if we can let out and document what’s going on in our minds without the need to show off or decorate things and just Talk To Myself.

Mental Wellness Startup LISSUN Targets Phygital Presence in Over 25 Cities in 2022

Lissun, an end-to-end solution in mental and emotional health, has announced to mark its Phygital presence over 25 cities in country by end of this year. Currenty Lissun has it’s mental and emotional health centers in Delhi, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida, Muzaffarnagar (UP), Lucknow and Pune.

 

LISSUN Team at Centre in Muzzafarnagar

In the Phase-I Lissun will cover Jaipur, Agra, Hapur, Banglore and Hyderabad and subsequent in the Phase-II the company promises to set up in Mumbai, Vizag, Chandigarh etc. The Tire-I will constitute 70% of the target cities and Tire-II will capture rest 30%.

“With the envision to empower robust mental and emotional health, We are going to make our base strong in 25 cities of India by the end of this fiscal year. Based on our survey we have received numerous responses and have identified the prevailing void that exists in our target cities and it’s very important that we deliver quality treatment as per the foreign standards in India”, said Mr. Krishna Veer Singh- Co-founder & Director LISSUN.

In the 25 target cities, Lissun aims to incorporate and build 75+IVF centers and partnering with 25+ hospitals. The platform has targets of helping over 20000 people in these 25 cities within 2022.

Mr. Tarun Gupta, Co-founder, LISSUN affirmed, “We at Lissun have been time in and time again drawing attention to the serious subject of mental and emotional well-being. Being emotionally healthy will promote productivity and effectiveness in activities at work, school, and workspace. It plays an important part in the health of your relationships and allows you to adapt to changes in your life.”

The core team of the Lissun comprises of alumni from IIT, IIM, ISB and NIMHANS. The platform has already reached over 6000 users and have been addressing the issue with its cutting edge tech and phygital approach.

About LISSUN

Launched on 15th August 2021, Headquartered in Gurugram, LISSUN is an organization that has been established to address the rising challenge of mental illness in the society. LISSUN has been founded by two industry veterans Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta to provide individuals with the right guidance, therapies, and solutions for their emotional and mental wellbeing in a world full of conflicts. The platform provides end to end care for mental health by offering self-diagnosis through tech tools, and then provides the necessary treatment to the

RoundGlass Living App Launches Music for Wellbeing Channel

Business Wire India

RoundGlass, a global Wholistic Wellbeing company dedicated to empowering people on their personal wellness journey, brings together the science of sound and the healing power of music with the official launch of its Music for Wellbeing channel on the RoundGlass Living app.
 
Music for Wellbeing was created to enhance the app’s immersive meditation experience, inspiring and helping users on their personal journey to Wholistic Wellbeing with a diverse and serene palette of music and soundscapes. Music is integral to many of the pillars of Wholistic Wellness including mental, physical, social, spiritual, and community. It has the capability to be the soundtrack to everything from yoga and fitness to meditation, rituals or ceremonies. Scientific journals* even speak to specific sounds having the ability to target disruptions in the body such as inflammation, stress and anxiety. Music’s vibrational form supports our lifeforce. We are Holistic Wellbeing.
 
For the new channel, RoundGlass tapped mega-producer Jerry Wonda, singer-songwriter and designer Amrita Sen, and BAFTA Award-winning videogame and soundtrack musicians to compose longform meditation creations. These original compositions take listeners on a transformative sonic journey. Each composer brings their distinctive genres with influences from all over the world. Amrita serves as the lead of the channel in collaboration with RoundGlass’ Global Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing Prakriti Poddar.

What is Music for Wellbeing?

This channel features a series of original compositions, licensed music, and sound content accessible at various levels depending on the listeners’ needs and habits. The levels include:

• RoundGlass Living offers a free membership level which contains a combination of original and licensed songs. 
• RoundGlass Living+, the paid membership level, offers premium content for listeners seeking a deeper experience that guides them on a journey through musical stories and scientific-based compositions. 
• RoundGlass on YouTube provides listeners with an audio and visual experience through moving art by designer Amrita Sen.

 
*Numerous studies have shown that listening to music can improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. (Healthline)
 
For more information and membership pricing, visit RoundGlass at Living.RoundGlass.com or follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Subscribe on YouTube. Download the app in AppStore or GooglePlay.

SAS and VESIM Collaborate to Leverage Data Analytics for Solving Mental Health Challenges

SAS and VESIM hosted the second edition of “Data Quezt”, a specially curated hackathon that leveraged data analytics to solve a very pertinent problem prevalent amongst many students across India today.

The second edition of Data Quezt focused on potential of depression and suicide especially amongst the university students in India and how analytics could help to detect patterns of depression and suicide amongst students, and prevention measures for stakeholders using SAS tools.

Data Quezt witnessed record participation, an increase of 180% over last year. After two rounds of eliminations, 80 students were selected to be a part of a 24-hour hackathon held at the VESIM campus. The championship kicked off with a keynote address by Dr. Satish Modh, Director, VESIM who spoke on the importance of data-based decision making.

“As data turns into a commodity it is crucial for students to learn how data can be an important tool for decision making and how data should be interpreted. The way to approach this would be through developing skills like analytics, judgmental diversity management and understanding & responding to diversity. These skills should be incorporated in management school curriculum, and hackathons offer that additional avenue for students to implement their theoretical knowledge and solve real-world challenges.”

At the end of the 24 hours challenge, the participants submitted their analysis reports to the jury and 10 groups were shortlisted to present their findings. The participants were given an interesting problem statement on a humanitarian issue pertaining to depression levels and suicides. They were allocated two datasets: one on the number of suicides for various age, profession groups for men and women across the states over 14 years. The second data set was on depression levels in students and their demographical and behavioral patterns collected through a survey of around 14,000 students.

All teams managed to do a very in-depth analysis, however; there were top three teams that stood out with well thought analytical models and approach to problem solving. The winners of Data Quezt were: Group 1: Palak Davda, Mohit Badve and Vinal Bagaria; Group 2: Parth Jardosh and Shloka Shah and Group 3: Ronak Jain, Shubham Dalvi and Shubham Mawande.

Bhuvan Nijhawan, Director Education - Asia Pacific, SAS Institute India Private Limited said, “Data in right hands has the capabilities to inform and inspire those in a position to make a difference. The hackathon’s mission is to provide opportunities to young minds to use data for good of the society and harness its power to formulate potential solutions."

About DataQuezt

Data Quezt, a competition on Data Analytics was organized jointly by VESIM B-School and SAS (India). Under-graduates and post-graduate students from various states participated in the competition to win three prizes worth INR 9,30,000, INR 6,25,000 and a consolation prize of INR 20,000. The prizes were sponsored by SAS (India).

A Smartphone App to Help Curb Mental Health Issues by Monitoring User’s Speech Patterns.

Developed by a team led by Vishal Rana in Adelaide, South Australia, the Watchyourtalk app is a SaaS-based platform which runs in the background to a user’s usual smartphone activity and collects data surrounding their word choice, semantic content, vocal tone and cognitive and linguistic state.

Rana said the data is then funnelled it into an algorithm which can predict whether someone may develop depression up to 12 months in advance.

The technology is rooted in research surrounding textual analysis and the science’s ability to forecast suicidal ideation and depression.

“Watchyourtalk is based off 30 years of research from Professor James Pennebaker from the University of Texas,” said Rana, who is also a lecturer at the Australian Institute of Business in South Australia.

“What he discovered was within text, there were certain words people could use in their speech – specifically some pronouns like ‘I’ ‘me’ ‘myself’ ‘he’ ‘herself’ ‘she’ – which predicted whether you’re going towards depression.

“The more you focus on yourself during your speech the more it can actually predict the likelihood of you developing depression in the future.”

Rana has developed the prototype of the app and is seeking funding to commercialise the product.

Once fully funded, Watchyourtalk will also operate as a tele-health service to connect users to nearby psychologists.

Watchyourtalk will be free for users to measure their words but a monthly subscription of $49 is required to unlock the other features, such as self-administering mental health tests.

Rana first developed the app to tap into the global $25 billion self-improvement market, offering a way to change users behaviour from negative to positive. He changed the focus to mental health care after pitching the idea at the annual Rise conference in Hong Kong.

“When I pitched it last year in Hong Kong I was approached by people who wanted to use it as an app, but there were industries – insurance companies, and telecommunications companies – that face a lot of mental health issues for the staff members.”

Rana was also motivated to create a predictive mental health device after he lost a friend to suicide.

“This app might not be useful for the people who are already facing depression, but for the people who in the future might be likely to develop depression, we want to be preventative,” said Rana.

While the Watchyourtalk prototype is available to download on Android devices, Rana said the product will be completely commercialised 18 months after investment funding is secured.

~ Angela Skujins