Gold Coast psychological service Equilibrium Health have launched a phone app that enables users to monitor and track their personal mental health state.
Facade Feedback allows uses to access the same tools as a healthcare professional to create a confidential profile of their mental health which can assist them in identifying potential emotional, behavioral and personality issues.
Creator of Facade Feedback and principle psychologist at Equilibrium Health Emma Howard, said she wanted to enable users to get a clear picture of who they are from an objective point of view.
“With façade feedback the premise is that we put on a social mask every day, we act in a certain way that at times is not actually a true representation of our transparent, honest and sincere true self.”
Photo taken by Crystal-Rose Fleming
The app works on measuring five elements; mood, personality, sociological stresses, first world focus and a user added component. In each section the user is able to see what range they sit in; either mild, moderate or severe based on answering a series of questions.
As it is in an application form, Façade Feedback is helping generate discussion among mental illness sufferers and stopping it from being such a taboo subject within society.
Façade Feedback user Kathleen Hancock, said it has helped her address her anxiety related issues more effectively.
“Being able to track my mood anywhere any time has been great, a lot of my friends have also downloaded the app so I don’t feel so alone.” She said.
Since the release of the app in June of this year, it has had a positive response with the number of downloads increasing each day.
However Doctor at the Australian Medical Association, Richard Chong, told the ABC that using internet tools as a means of self diagnosis poses potential dangers to users.
“Cheaper ways of meeting health needs may seem like a good option but often leads to further complications, so we don’t encourage people to pursue this path.” he said.
Ms Howard said it was not her intention to promote self-diagnosis.
“Self-diagnosis is not something we’re encouraging. It is providing users with the appropriate tools and support in a seamless, clean design,” She said.
“There are disclaimers about the utilisation for this app to be used appropriately so I urge people to read that before use.”
The app is encouraged to be used in conjunction with regular psychological and counselling sessions to give the user a less intrusive platform to monitor their behaviour.
Further improvements and update of the app will be carried out later in the year to keep up with user demand.
Façade feedback is available on iTunes for a cost of $2.49 and is available now.
Youthful Health 