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FIGHT DEPRESSION AND THE ‘BEAR’: A COVID-ERA LIFE SAVING PRODUCT
In a self-initiated effort, Vitaliy Dyachenko in collaboration with Larry Blackwell and other therapists from the US , embarked on a project aimed at creating a mental health advice website, Fight Depression amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Without any external investments or crowdfunding, our objective was clear: to provide support to individuals grappling with depression or experiencing feelings of sadness, loneliness, and discomfort during the lockdowns and isolation measures. With the alarming rise in substance abuse and depression during this time, our mission was crucial: to extend a helping hand to individuals and families navigating through these turbulent waters.
As lockdowns were enforced, we recognized the urgent need for mental health support and swiftly engaged the expertise of several therapists from the United States to facilitate professional consultations. These professionals stressed the importance of fostering a non-judgmental environment where individuals from all walks of life could courageously confront the emotional hurdles hindering their personal growth amidst the pandemic-induced challenges.
Within a couple of months, we launched the website and facebook chat bot. Featuring the ‘Bear’ chatbot—a symbol embodying strength, companionship, healing, and the capacity to assist others. Through interactions with this Bear, individuals found solace, companionship, and a sense of solidarity, realizing they were not alone in their struggles during the isolating times of the pandemic.
MOOD MONITORING AND SUPPORT VIA FACEBOOK CHATBOT:
The Facebook chatbot integrated into Fight Depression offers a range of functions, including:
- Assessing users’ current emotional state
- Tracking their mood over a week
- Providing encouragement and support
- Crucially, facilitating connections with licensed therapists when necessary to offer personalized guidance and support.
Users can also engage in a daily happiness scale, allowing them to rate their overall mood and monitor fluctuations over the course of a week. Based on these assessments, the chatbot offers tailored advice or facilitates connections with therapists as needed.
In addition to these features, the Fight Depression website aims to publish relevant content on mental health topics and offer guidance on maintaining a positive outlook during periods of quarantine and isolation—all with the input of our expert advisors.
FIGHT DEPRESSION FACEBOOK PAGE: JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Recognizing the importance of community engagement during the challenging times of COVID-19, along with Larry Blackwell, has established the Fight Depression Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fightdepressionUS/), inviting individuals to join and participate. Through this platform, we aim to engage with our website’s audience, inquire about their well-being, offer advice, gather feedback, and foster a supportive community where individuals can lend a helping hand to one another.
Stay safe, and please support Ukraine. Together, we managed to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic and emerge mentally resilient and now will overcome the war.
