How we can use virtual reality to support our mental health | Alexandra Kitson | TEDxSFU

[@dans-designs]

This really is the future! Imagine combining this technology with the medical "Placebo Effect". We could literally heal our bodies by believing what we are seeing! Great work Alexandra, keep it up! Namaste x

[@dingolightfoot8823]

You are delusional and don't know anything about reality your ancestors will not be proud of you

[@michaelbidu9278]

Great talk Alexandra. Done with passion, knowledge and kindness. I read a few negative comments and, as expected, most of the people who wrote them have never experienced VR. Perhaps one thing that you may want to add to your future presentations is letting the audience know that there is more than 30 years of solid research in applications of VR for PTSD, anxiety, acute pain and chronic pain, obesity and eating disorders, physical rehab and more. VR is safe and effective when it is based on science and clinical practice. If you add gamification it can also be a lot of fun. It can deliver better health outcomes when associated with neuroscience, psychology, advanced biosensors, gamification and storytelling. As you suggested we use VR as the ultimate simulation machine to train astronauts, fighter jet pilots, quarterbacks, F1 pilots, brain surgeons and other professionals where precision is the difference between life and death or between winning and losing a Grand Prix or The Super Bowl.

[@Mtl-zf9om]

Well said. Even today science doesn't know everything about how the brain functions. Imagine if in a few years or decades scientists get a deeper understanding of this department, they could develop trigger points vr experience models to treat each mental illness.

[@RobertA-hq3vz]

From the negative comments I've seen posted here I can tell that many of the people here have never experienced VR. I've had VR for 6 years now and its life changing. Living alone and working alone weeks can go by without me speaking to anyone. Yet, by simply slipping on my headset I'd be transported to fabulous worlds in VRchat, and spend hours laughing and talking to people from all over the world, and of different age groups, and different cultures. Not just seeing them on a screen but actually being inside these worlds and speaking to people right there next to me. Anyone that does not try VR if given a chance is missing out on a fantastic experience.

[@ML-yi2tx]

@Neo Anderson I think that VR is not an concrete alternative to addressing actual mental health. That’s what therapy is for. I think VR is more for things like PTSD, fears, connecting isolated people, and mild anxiety. It can also teach you great things like coping mechanisms. Not a fix to serious mental illness.

[@RobertA-hq3vz]

@Neo Anderson No one says we need to be independent of technology. Why would you want that? Our entire way of life is based on Technology. We're using technology now to talk to each other. VR is just a new tool.

[@RobertA-hq3vz]

@Neo Anderson What does i matter how its done, as long as it works. What are you, Amish?

[@dbk81]

Wow, Alex, so proud of you following your heart and trying to make this world a safer, better place. Thank you. ❤️

[@jodhturka01]

I got VR last year, I was socially burnt out from almost a year of being stuck home. I began to socialize more and began to improve my relations in real life while slowly working my way through social anxiety. I think it holds great potential if we can start integrating it within learning experiences to uplift the existing educational structure. IF you haven't tried it YOU SHOULD! it's a true wonder to behold

[@karmasutra4774]

What did you buy and where did you log into?

[@salihawouda2992]

Virtual reality can really help with mental health !

[@CoolGirl007]

Yeah I need this for mental health especially the part of space travelling think not coming back again

[@ClickingHeads]

Video games/ virtual reality is the absolute worst thing you can do when facing a mental illness. It's kind of like getting drunk to forget your problems. You need to face your problems head on in the real world this way the anxiety doesn't stick with you. This is why I'm convinced my generation so emotionally f***** because we spent all this time not actually fixing problems. The problems become much worse the longer you push them down the road.

[@KnitBone]

Yeah this seemed pro disassociation. Imo this isn't the way.

[@saggioculo5386]

Perhaps for some mental illness, facing it head on in the real world has not been successful. Some folks don't desensitize, but end up with PTSD from the experience. Perhaps with VR it gives the patient a sense of more control over the situation.

[@maddiek3352]

you've misinterpreted the point of it all. It's not meant to be a virtual world where you can escape. she said it can be a therapeutic tool so that people can face their problems in a safe environment. It's like you didn't even listen

[@KCinSD84]

Nice way to exacerbate the issue even more.

[@cutl00senc]

I need this ! My emotional reaction game is not fun! I wish it had been available when I was young

[@tafadzwautete]

Thank you

[@Quickeasyguitarlessons]

This is interesting Now we’re seeing TEDx speeches on what we’ve been watching in all anti-utopian movies People dealing with their problems by diving into virtual reality I think there are going to be repercussions for using such methods

[@feest9221]

Maybe we should use reality to support our mental health

[@Jessilavender]

orrrrr.......go outside and experience the wonders of the natural world! we are not appart from nature we are a part of it. Stay connected

[@LordVollmilch]

Orrrrr you know.... Look around and find that you can't unfuck the world. Even when you've managed your problems the world will still be depressing

[@OzPanthera]

I haven't had much experience using VR to-date however I can see the potential where it could benefit mental health well-being, the only issue I can foresee is to find the best software about that's not 'clunky' etc and is truly a medically certified?? ie correctly categorised by some governing body that deems the use as being beneficial and NOT mentally/emotionally harmful in anyway. My impression is (and I'm only really guessing here) is that that whole infrastructure is either non existent yet or in its infancy- happy to be advised of any further information about any or all of the above. Thank you for posting the video and of course your dedication to learning/studying more about this incredibly important affliction which as you rightly pointed out affects millions of people from every corner of the globe.

[@RobertA-hq3vz]

Actually, try looking up VRchat. Thousands of worlds already available, to be experienced either alone, or with other people as you choose. You could even meet up with a councilor in these spaces, in theory. The limiting factor here is that VR headsets are yet to spread widely though out the population. Many see it as a fad. Its not. Once you try VR most people are hooked.

[@karmasutra4774]

@@RobertA-hq3vz What are they doing about any possible issues with being plugged into a screen environment? Have read before that having a screen on like that starts affecting moods and sleep patterns. Then you hear people blame getting tumors from making contact with cell phones too much, etc. would think that something like this on your head for hours might have some effect

[@RobertA-hq3vz]

@@karmasutra4774 Its hard to say. When I get into VR I can have it on for 4 hours or more. You lose track of time easily. Some people are known to sleep in VR. In fact there are rooms in VRchat where people go there explicitly to sleep next to other sleeping people. It seems to comfort them to think they're not alone. As to the health effects I don't know but I haven't heard anything to date. Time will tell, but you can't just assume they have health issues. A VR headset is not a phone, its not broadcasting a ton of high energy radio waves.

[@AnimeUni-versed]

This is GREAT

[@JosefMackiewicz88]

Oh no no please please not yet!! It's not time for that method!! Have to fix the foundation before building the mansion ! Unless your aware this is another pretty band-aid in the attempt to cure or remove the mental cancer! Please reached out for deeper understanding to clarify and to extinguishe assumptions and filled in blanks! From much love 😊

[@Sittininthesun]

Shut the devices off and go live your life. That how.

[@JK_JK_JK_JK]

Next: How can we use Virtual Reality to help the people of Ukraine!!! 👍

[@nameless1016]

next next: go outside, get some sun

[@JK_JK_JK_JK]

@@nameless1016 I'm just trying to make a difference! 🙄

[@xGooglyYT]

This feels like a Facebook ad 🙅🏾

[@freshicetea]

Ok👍

[@fanaticforager6610]

A Virtual “Novel” approach to sparking imagination 💭 ☂️🦘

[@fanaticforager6610]

@ExitSun Salutations 🙏😄•🪟🔆• I recall the inherent dynamic effectiveness of ‘enveloped sensory engagement’, some years ago watching an actual positive news feed, on the development of ‘VR’. The televised news 🗞 story was celebrating a humanitarian response to those, invariably immobilised, the most profound and, pardon the inadvertent pun, ‘moving’ tribute to liveability innovation. Was that of a young lady, that was tragically born without limbs., her euphoric reply to the surely award winning 🥇 journalist, to their humble question, of what she thought of the immersive device. The young lady gracefully responded, “I can fly”❕❗️🙏🥲 Which Still today, as I recall., brings me to Grateful tears ✨🙏🥲 Be Well •☂️🌅

[@darrylharris756]

💎

[@TonyL-gw4qx]

Never so angry I wanted to scream into a pillow? Never !

[@Afatcow123]

most likely most people saying in the comments that it wont work has never tired vr

[@avenoma]

i have a strange fear of falling up. its rather new from what ive researched and im certain VR can up with it.

[@twenty1sixer216]

how can we control people while keeping them in their home prison, while also profiting off of the people who love to buy virtual content

[@Chris-kv5cm]

If your home is like a prison to you, you need help.

[@twenty1sixer216]

@@Chris-kv5cm don't tell your surveillance that

[@Ermanariks_til_Aujm]

People discovering the concept of video games and fantasy in 2022 - and promoting escapism from your issues

[@kevinnorwood7355]

Or you can read a book, go for a walk, take a bike, etc.

[@Danyal7016]

As much as I like vr, this just screams of marketing and making money out of you. Living in vr is far different than being glued to your phone. Not a fair comparison. This will not help mental health problems.

[@Danyal7016]

@@hannesRSA I’m already well aware of using video games as an escape. It makes things worse and I regret the time I’ve lost instead of working on them. Fixing mental health issues should be done in a timely manner, if not it just becomes worse.

[@Danyal7016]

@@hannesRSA a person who is dealing with mental health issue will not use vr in a moderate way they will use it as an escape from the reality, pretty much building their own lives in the virtual world instead of focusing and getting the help they need. It’s easy to avoid problems than to work towards them. Don’t really think a guy brink on suicide didn’t thought of finding something in the real world that makes them happy? Vr should only be marketed as an adventurous theme park and should never be replaced as a optional therapist.

[@jaysundj]

What is the fixation with these people and their need for a digital world? VR, AI, IoT…

[@Boxagami]

There's nothing mentally healthy about it.. The metaverse has been around for over 15 years!! Nothing new, Meta just stole the idea from SecondLife game.

[@jaysartori9032]

Once I felt so angry that I wanted more than ripping apart someone?

[@sibubay5709]

Only live in virtal life that you want, you sleep in that, then it is safe place to heal you. Then you wake up and say, it is only sweet lie that you make yourself. Then it is okie again. You don't live always in virtal place.

[@rurens2]

After marginalizing everyone's mental health they sell you this. :)

[@dalladi]

Y’all be playing with technology when you could just be organizing community outings and more immediate services for the vulnerable. How realistic is this, honestly? Right now? For those most in need to just access a highly expensive piece of equipment...when they can’t even afford to have a phone or home most often. The level of detachment from those suffering to those comfortable is so broad as to be laughable. I think we can do more then cater to the privileged few.

[@donnebretecher8069]

That is a very limited view... Organizations could implement something like this for their clients. The "outings" you speak about still cost a large amount of money and are usually the participation is limited. Now, if an organization had something like this, it would always be available. I say this as an inner city addiction counsellor that specializes in homelessness and trauma.

[@YamatoPower9000]

Can't wait till Meta allows hate speech and harasment in VR... That would totally fix the problem.

[@5uperM]

This sounds like a Joe Rogan clip.

[@Chris-kv5cm]

Mental health is already fine. We just live in an age where everyone constantly thinks “poor me” and seeks attention for it.

[@nicholasfranco5240]

Just stop. Virtual reality will be horrible for mental health lol. I'm staying right here thank you.

[@ambiven10]

Ya exactly..lol. We are already so disconnected more than ever...throw in VR to create an isolation island for all of us..crazy!

[@Sarah-ft8jr]

I got an oculus quest for Christmas. It’s honestly really fun. I’ve watched immersive documentaries, experienced things like sky diving, played games and did exercise on it like boxing and tennis. I’ve talked to people all from around the world on it about current topics and watched the news with them and movies. During the day I go to work, look after my family etc but sometimes in the evening when I want to switch off and relax it’s a carefree way to spend an hour. It’s harmless and much better then spending hours on Facebook or watching Netflix. I’d imagine for someone who is too unwell to go out or paralysed for example, it might stop them from committing suicide.

[@ThexBorg]

ASMR

[@johnjames732]

i hope no one believes this. zuckerburg should slip you a twenty for this

[@ПавелБрозинский-ф8я]

Идеомоторная тренировка известна людям многие тысячелетия. Ты же выдаешь это за свою докторскую диссертацию с целью продать хлам для виртуальной реальности ??? А может психические срывы происходят именно из за дефицита реального опыта в реальной жизни ? Не хочеш-ли поработать над диссертацией на ЭТУ тему? Тогда к зрелому возрасту сможешь кое-что понять.

[@Mathiqnice]

Bạn đang nói về vấn đề gì.

[@Guttergirl61]

VR? No

[@lhandrovhal]

Putting loud applauses at start is such an ununspired and careless choice...

[@Cuppycakezz13]

The best way: not use it

[@freelancedentist9480]

Avoiding anxiety is the cause of anxiety. Desensitize yourself to reality to become comfortable in it or dissociate from reality and lose perspective of who you are in this world, if you lose that perspective then you lose any confidence in your identity, making you more sensitive/anxious to anything that makes you aware of your identity. My personal take on this. Definitely not a doctor.

[@saggioculo]

I disagree. Take someone who suffers from say agoraphobia. Desensitizing is the usual treatment. Force the person out of their comfort zone, let them experience the panic/anxiety and over a period of time, desensitized. For some, this treatment has cause them to now suffer from PTSD on top of the agoraphobia. Virtual Reality, seems like a chance to expose the person to the outside world and yet give them more control or the feeling of being safe. Learning coping skills, how to react when the feelings of panic/anxiety hit in a virtual world maybe a better way to take those skills into the real world. I know a lot of people think phobias are a joke...tell someone you're afraid of spiders and the first chance they get, someone will throw a spider at them and think it hilarious. Phobias can be a debilitating mental illness.

[@freelancedentist9480]

@@saggioculo there are ways to desensitize someone to something without causing further trauma. Reality and video games are not synonymous, I have a phobia of heights and I’ve played a Vr game that made me balance on a beam high in the air but I didn’t feel afraid at all. When I am actually high off the ground I immediately get a wave of debilitating fear

[@L1gh]

@@freelancedentist9480 The thing is immersion can be terrible by the lack of design of the experience / badly used hardware / other factors so your brain wasn't fooled and it didn't worked at this moment. I can tell for exemple that i don't feel motion sickness in most of the VR games but when the movements and physics starts to be more realistic, i feel it sometimes. I think that awareness of the simulation you're going to live can play on that board too but i didn't try to experience it with other people. This is why in globality, we must analyse those problems in real time and be able to customise the experiences while keeping the quality of it. I'm actually living mental health issues (7 months now at home with sleeping disorders, lack of motivation, etc....) and slowly passing through while trying to understand how i feel and react to it. The fact that I interact more naturally with real people in VR really helps to break the sensation of talking to a NPC (cause you aren't lol) and it feels like being anonymous and talking to other people in a safe place without having anxiety of being judged or whatever. I concluded that i must have developed some kind of social anxiety but i haven't been diagnosed by a specialist, cause the 3 of them i saw, multiple times, were human garbages who were only thinking about getting my 70€ / 15 minutes and then book an other appointment for the next week (knowing i have money issues, causing me alot of anxiety and stress, and being completely transparent about it) I must precise that i'm a prepossessing person, who's very social, i love to exchange with people and discovering new ones, I worked in a clothing store for several years while i'm keep learning and improve my skills into design and other hobbies ... My motivation is dead cause i'm tired but i still have my goals (even if i doubt about really wanting to dedicate my life to achieve those goals in this society) & i'm willing even more to help designing things for a safer, transparent & caring future. Pardon me for my potential lack of expression but writing and sumerrizing these kind of experience and subject in a text is pretty tedious, even if my english isn't that bad haha

[@emiliongo007]

I'll tell you how, just dont

[@giftedgreen2152]

Nobody is born with anxiety. Stop giving it to each other. Pray for liberals.

[@victhedon9712]

By not using virtual reality lol

[@alecdiloreto6935]

The jobless authorisation anteriorly fill because aftershave preferably disapprove for a noxious sudan. obsequious, shut panty

[@jp2624]

NOPE

[@geminijohn]

How 'bout FB banning people for 3 days with no review for NOTHING! And having no human to "review" it!!?? Just pisses me off!! STOOPID!!