Visionary Reports

The Emotional Wellness Application has been design to provide peer to peer emotional support

Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, triggering heart attacks and strokes. Whether its work deadlines, debt or even road rage, people get stressed from time-to-time. While for most the feeling passes, others become overwhelmed and unable to cope. In the short term, stress can leave an individual anxious, tearful and struggling to sleep. But over time, continuously feeling frazzled could trigger heart attacks, strokes, and even suicidal thoughts.  Work stress and fear of the unknown has affected the mental health of many. It is on record that as a result of the fact that most people stayed at home due to the outbreak of the corona virus, the rate of domestic violence increased as most people were stressed up and end up getting violent on their partners.This is evidenced by global statistics: approximately 1 in 6 people across the globe will suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their life. Loneliness has also become a major crisis, often correlating with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

The uncertainty and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic seem to have only worsened this crisis. Against this back drop, HearMe  Application was designed to provide real-time human connection so that everyone, even those who are shy or embarrassed about reaching out for support has a listening presence at anytime and anywhere. The Apps has trained listeners who provide support to anyone feeling anxious, lonely or who simply want to talk. After downloading the HearMe application, the individual gets connected to a listener based on the category he/she select, such as identity, university, relationships and more. The individual can then chat with the listener for as long and as often as you need support. HearMe’s listener model relies on peer support which has been found to improve self-esteem, decrease substance use and depression and reduce hospitalization rates. Once an individual signed in, he or she is also plugged into  the HearMe online community with thousands of people across the globe, where they also host virtual events, share resources and provide support.  

As explained by the Founder and CEO of HearMe application Adam Lippin, this is particularly important for women and men who are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges. Depression, anxiety, sexual violence, domestic violence and escalating rates of substance use affect women to a greater extent than men across different countries and settings. Pressures from multiple roles and gender discrimination only worsen this issue.  He said HearMe can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for women to seek support. “We all need someone to share what we’re going through with a caring, empathetic person, and HearMe can provide the relief and support people need. Adam Lippin added. 

By GINA ESONG

Interview with Adam Lippin, Founder and CEO of HearMe

What prompted you to develop the HearMe wellness Application?

I’ve struggled with loneliness and isolation my entire life, and I always felt that if I only had someone to talk to, that would help me feel better. I often spent more time thinking about who I could talk to rather than actually talking to someone. That was the original pain point that sparked the idea for HearMe. Even though I was lonely, I knew I wasn’t alone in this feeling. This is evidenced by global statistics: approximately 1 in 6 people across the globe will suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their life. Loneliness has also become a major crisis, often correlating with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. The uncertainty and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic seem to have only worsened this crisis, validating HearMe’s use case for emotional health and wellbeing. 

 How does the Application function?

HearMe is designed to provide real-time human connection so that everyone—even those who are shy or embarrassed about reaching out for support—has a listening presence at anytime and anywhere. Our trained listeners are volunteers who want to provide support to anyone feeling anxious, lonely or who simply want to talk. When you download HearMe, you can join as a member or listener. Listeners go through training in evidence-based active and reflective listening strategies, which enables them to help people build authentic connections and improve well-being. As a member, you are connected to a listener based on the category you select, such as LGBTQ identity, university, relationships and more. You can then chat with the listener for as long and as often as you need support.

How do you think the Application is going to help the population, especially women?

What our platform can offer is compassion, understanding, and presence. While this might not solve every problem, sharing your feelings and being truly heard is universally beneficial. HearMe’s listeners can help people feel less stressed and anxious and can improve self-esteem and confidence. This is particularly important for women who are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges. Depression, anxiety, sexual violence, domestic violence and escalating rates of substance use affect women to a greater extent than men across different countries and settings. Pressures from multiple roles and gender discrimination only worsen this issue. HearMe can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for women to seek support. We all need someone to share what we’re going through with a caring, empathetic person, and HearMe can provide the relief and support people need. 

 What are the benefits of the app?

Our members report improved moods and decreased levels of anxiety after just one session. HearMe’s listener model relies on peer support which has been found to improve self-esteem, decrease substance use and depression and reduce hospitalization rates. Once a member, you are also plugged into our online community with thousands of people across the globe, where we host virtual events, share resources and provide support. If you join HearMe as a listener and go through our training, you also have access to continued training from a range of experts.

After counselling and at the end it emerges that the person need other assistance, like medication, how can HearMe help?

HearMe is not a crisis hotline or for serious mental health issues that require a mental health professional or medical intervention. Our listeners are skilled in providing empathy, however, they are not licensed therapists or psychiatrists. Listeners are trained to identify when someone might be in crisis or danger, and then will refer them to the appropriate hotline or professional. 

 We are in Africa where most people live in rural areas and barely have electricity not to talk of internet, don’t you think your app is targeting only the rich?

We rely on the internet to reach more people and a broader range of people across the world than would be possible without it. While 40% of all Africans have access to some sort of internet, unfortunately, not everyone will be able to use our app. However, anyone with a Smartphone has access to our caring and trained listeners anytime you need a listening ear. We’re also planning on having a web-enabled platform soon so you can access HearMe from a desktop computer, expanding the opportunity to use the platform even without a Smartphone. Digital platforms like HearMe can actually be an equalizer and make mental health and wellbeing support accessible for those who are unable to access or can’t afford it otherwise. 

 Or how can this app help Africans?

Mental health and wellbeing have historically been neglected on Africa’s health policy agenda, and while the picture in each country is different, there is a universal need for increased mental health resources. Ignorance about the extent of the problem, stigma, cost and a lack of providers have long been barriers to adequate care and treatment. Because HearMe is free, anonymous and available 24/7, our platform can address some of these challenges. Anyone from Cameroon to South Africa to Tunisia can talk with one of our trained listeners whenever they need support, and come out of it feeling better. HearMe will always be here for you.

 Interview by GINA ESONG