Apple’s Health app has introduced a new feature called “State of Mind” that goes beyond tracking physical activity with the Apple Watch to now capturing our moods. This, combined with insights from the new Journal app, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of our daily experiences in both body and mind.
Imagine being on vacation in an unfamiliar city and starting your day by recording your mood in the Health app. You can describe it as “Very Pleasant” and choose from a range of emotions such as grateful, serene, or exhilarated. As you explore the city and capture moments, the Journal app creates a narrative of your day. If you encounter a hectic tourist hotspot that spikes your anxiety, the Health app checks in on your mood again. This interaction continues, creating a tapestry of emotional experiences during your vacation. When you return and someone asks about your trip, you can share a rich emotional canvas beyond a simple “It was great.”
In addition, the Health app now provides round-the-clock access to screening tools for assessing depression risk and anxiety. By integrating technology and mental health in this way, Apple may inspire other tech companies to follow suit, potentially revolutionizing device utility.
1. It Can Help In Early Intervention And Continuous Monitoring Of Mental Health
Mental health is a prevalent issue, with 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, primarily anxiety and depression. Features like Apple’s “State of Mind” can democratize mental health by providing universal access to screening tools like PHQ-9 and GAD-7. This empowers individuals to seek tailored guidance from mental health professionals based on their concerns.
Being mindful of our emotions can help us navigate difficult situations better. Feeling grateful for positive experiences, for example, can act as a deterrent to depressive symptoms. A smart journaling app that automatically records life events and an emotion-tracking feature like “State of Mind” can help us remember how we felt about these experiences. This combination can become our automatic emotion journal, supporting the recommended practice of journaling to work through anxieties and depressive symptoms.
However, it’s important to remember that while these tools can be helpful, they should not replace mental health professionals. Individuals should interpret the results cautiously and discuss any concerns with qualified healthcare providers.
2. It Can Help Enhance Self-Awareness And Personal Growth
Regularly documenting emotional states and triggers can lead to a deeper understanding of our emotional patterns and responses. Recognizing recurring stressors or moments of joy enables us to avoid negative situations or embrace positive experiences. This heightened self-awareness can also facilitate personal growth, as individuals can take actionable steps towards better mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being.
Using tools that foster self-awareness supports a growth mindset, empowering individuals to proactively address and evolve their emotional health and response to stress.
Conclusion
Apple’s focus on mental health marks the beginning of a new era in human-tech interaction. While some may find notifications about mental check-ins intrusive, embracing such innovations can potentially lead to a more harmonious relationship between humans and technology.
