Postpartum depression is real. Some startling numbers before we move to the crux of this news article. It is estimated that postpartum depression affects an estimated 22% of women in India (International Journal of Social Psychiatry). Another study reported a prevalence rate of 20% postpartum depression in urban areas of India (Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology).
Psychologists working in the area suggest that even those who seek help show intense emotions of guilt, grief, frustration, anger, loneliness, helplessness, etc. A majority of them also report having contemplated suicide as a way to end their psychological pain. These need to be addressed in therapy.
In recent years, we have also seen significant advancements in technology that have opened up new possibilities for addressing mental health challenges. One promising innovation in this field is virtual reality (VR) therapy, which shows great potential in treating postpartum depression, which affects many new mothers worldwide. As VR therapy gains traction in the healthcare industry, we find the virtual and real worlds coming together to empower women’s mental health.
Psychologist Dr. Aakanksha Bhatia, Founder of MannRaahi, opens up with some startling facts as well. She writes, “In India, while we were able to achieve a significant decline in the maternal mortality rate during childbirth, suicide persists to be a leading cause of death among women of childbearing age”. She mentions that a Lancet study claims that the suicide rate among girls and women in India is double as compared to the global average. That’s primarily because many women who are struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders never actively seek professional help. “Factors like fear of stigmatisation, lack of financial autonomy, low agency over their physical and mental health, and deep-rooted fear of being separated from their child on the grounds of lack of mental stability, are some of the reasons fueling their reluctance”, she closes.
Tech Expert Aalok Kumar Das, Founder of Matrix Group of Companies opines, “Virtual Reality therapy for postpartum depression presents a ground-breaking approach to empower women’s mental health. VR simulations can recreate scenarios that trigger anxiety or stress, allowing women to confront and manage their emotions in a safe environment.” He adds that such an immersive experience has the potential to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, as it offers a discreet and private alternative to traditional therapy. “Furthermore, VR therapy can increase accessibility to mental healthcare for new mothers who may face barriers such as limited mobility or lack of childcare,” he suggests.
So, what exactly is virtual reality therapy for postpartum depression?
Well, it involves creating a simulated environment where individuals can interact with a computer-generated world. In the case of postpartum depression, VR therapy aims to provide a supportive and controlled environment that can alleviate symptoms and enhance the mental well-being of new mothers.
How will Virtual and Real Worlds Meet?
The convergence of virtual and real worlds lies in the potential of VR therapy to bridge the gap between traditional talk therapy and immersive experiences. By using VR headsets and motion-tracking technology, therapists can guide women through various scenarios and activities that simulate real-life situations while adapting to their specific needs. This intersection of virtual and real worlds allows for personalized and targeted interventions.
Benefits of Virtual Reality Therapy
a) Safe and Controlled Environment: VR therapy provides a safe space for women to explore their emotions and challenges without fear of judgment or stigma. The controlled environment allows therapists to tailor experiences to individual needs, gradually exposing patients to triggers and helping them develop coping mechanisms.
b) Immersive Experience: By immersing patients in a virtual environment, VR therapy can create a sense of presence and engagement. This immersion can enhance the therapeutic process, making it easier for women to open up about their experiences, emotions, and concerns.
c) Exposure and Desensitization: Virtual reality simulations can expose women to situations that trigger anxiety or distress in a controlled manner. This exposure therapy, combined with gradual desensitization, can help women build resilience and regain confidence in facing real-life challenges.
d) Accessibility and Convenience: VR therapy has the potential to overcome geographical barriers and make mental health support more accessible to women in remote areas. It can also offer convenience to new mothers who may have limited time or mobility constraints, allowing them to engage in therapy from the comfort of their homes.
However, some challenges and considerations need to be addressed as well.
a) Ethical and Privacy Concerns: As VR therapy involves gathering sensitive personal data, ensuring the privacy and security of patients’ information is paramount. Developers and healthcare providers must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to protect patients’ rights and maintain confidentiality.
b) Technological Limitations: The success of VR therapy relies on the availability of high-quality and user-friendly hardware and software. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to address issues such as motion sickness, discomfort, and visual fidelity to optimize the therapeutic experience.
c) Therapist-Patient Relationship: While VR therapy offers several advantages, it should continue the importance of human interaction in therapy.
Abhishek Jain, Founder of Baely, India’s First Couple Relationship Wellness Platform is of the view, “While VR therapy offers several advantages, it’s important to note that it should not replace the importance of human interaction in therapy. Non-verbal cues and observations help tailor treatment to individual needs.” He says that real-time feedback and collaboration foster a deeper understanding of the patient’s experiences. The therapeutic alliance, built on trust and connection, establishes a foundation for successful therapy. “While VR therapy provides immersive experiences, it should complement, not replace, human interaction. Combining the benefits of technology with the essential human connection optimizes treatment outcomes,” he adds.
d) Affordability and Accessibility: Despite the potential benefits, cost barriers and the need for specialized equipment may hinder the widespread adoption of VR therapy. Efforts should be made to ensure affordability and accessibility for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Here psychologist Dr. Akanksha Bhatia adds, “Predictive technologies like Machine Learning and Mental Health Trackers can be useful for new mothers at risk. Barriers like affordable price points and encouraging new mothers to use the VT-based app/product seem to sustain. In my opinion, rather than developing new products from scratch, a good approach would be to integrate mental health components for new mothers with existing wearables, mobile-based apps, or web-based platforms.”
In conclusion, the convergence of virtual and real worlds through VR therapy holds immense potential for empowering women’s mental health, particularly in addressing postpartum depression.
And Ritu Bhardwaj, a senior media professional and Founder of CONNECTED, (a community providing a safe space for women to discuss mental health issues) concludes, “Humans are social animals; nuclear family set-up has already made us interact less with people and more with machines, and thus a balance is needed between man and machine so that the human touch is not lost. Human-to-human therapy allows for a deep sense of empathy, understanding, and emotional support that cannot be replicated by technology alone. The therapist’s ability to actively listen, provide validation, and offer personalized guidance creates a safe and trusting environment for the patient.”
In short, through collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, researchers, and technology developers, we can embrace this emerging field and create a future where the virtual and real worlds meet to improve women’s mental health outcomes.
