Statistics show that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Often times, many people can’t understand or truly relate to what these people are going through. For this reason there are many times that mental illness, such as drug addiction, PTSD, Depression, or eating disorders tear families and relationships apart. For the people suffering with mental illness what they are experiencing is very real, their perception is their reality. I’ve designed a virtual reality device that allows the user to be put into the mind of someone struggling with mental illness. The user is able to choose from a variety of ‘demos’ which will place them into the mental and physical state of whichever mental illness they choose. For instance, someone that has a loved one struggling with PTSD will be able to place the virtual reality headset on and choose the ‘PTSD’ demo. The user will now be in the state of mind of their loved one for however long they desire to leave the headset on for. The device will be programmed with mental and physical experiences that sufferers often experience. In this instance, the user may experience a change in their behavior such as agitation, irritability, and social isolation. They will experience psychological symptoms as well such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, mistrust and unwanted thoughts. These will be accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, night terrors, insomnia, and emotional distress. Each demo will vary in symptoms and psychological effects according to which mental illness is chosen. This device is something that psychologists, doctors, family members, significant others, and medical students will all be able to use and benefit from. Whether it be for a wife trying to understand what her veteran husband is experiencing since being diagnosed with PTSD, or a sibling wanting to feel how her sister feels while struggling with bulimia. This will be extremely beneficial in the medical field for students as well as physicians to expand their knowledge for their patients. It has potential to result in new medications and therapies for sufferers. Not only will this be highly educational but it will allow these people to experience a whole new level of empathy for their loved ones or patients after truly being put in their shoes.
Sources:
www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/
I was really excited to see that you are allowing people without mental disorders to get a better understanding of people with mental disorders because not many people without disorders know how to treat people with disorders. What would be helpful for your project is if you give suggestions to people without mental disorders on how to be able to interact and better help the people with mental disorders. Some additional evidence that you should gather and provide are the true symptoms of the mental disorder.
1) I like the fact that someone can see what their loved one can go through. I think that’s important because the person will have a better understanding of the illness. Too many people nowadays see others struggle and have no idea what someone is going through. I agree that it would be highly educational.
2) How will this app connect to or even change the persons emotions exactly? How will it MAKE them feel emotions ( like heart palpitations) will they just hear the sound?
3) Some evidence that may/could be added would be how many people actually suffer from a mental illness in the U.S. alone.
1. I liked this because it reminded me of Ted’s project you get to be in someone else shoes.
2. Could add a picture.
3. Good evidence but could add how people have mental illness especially if they aren’t born with it.
This pitch is actually mind-blowing and could help so many people with their relationships with their loved ones with mental illnesses. It’s a sensitive topic to talk about and your pitch was well done.
I want to see more of how this would help the mentally ill be accepted without any stigmatization.
I think your VR could be directed at those with mental illnesses to help them cope with their illnesses. To be a therapeutical kind of VR.
1) People will finally get a better understanding of what its like to have a mental illness. People use “Im depressed” or “I’m anxious” too lightly so with this seminar people will think twice about saying these phrases.
2) Nothing this is perfect. This subject needs more exposure.
3) I feel you should do a focus group, with people that have mental illness so nothing is stereotyped.
1. It seems like a neat simulation because it would help people understand mental illness.
2. I want to know more ways of how it will change lives.
3. What age group is this simulation mainly for?
I like this because it gives you the chance to actually put things into perspective and realize what people actually go through.
How will this actually apply empathy?
More information about mental illness and what happens when you suffer from it.
1. I liked this because it can give you insight into what people are really feeling.
2. Maybe an imagine to give the audience some insight.
3. Some statistics on what the percentages are with people with mental disorders.
1. Having a better understanding of mental disorders will make one more knowledgeable of the mental disorders others go through.
2. How will this change perspectives?
3. What group of people will this effect the most
You pitch is thoughtful and clearly evokes empathy. This project lends itself to research and will certianly be educations. However, be careful to capitalize correctly and avoid contractions.