The Intersection of Technology and Mental Health

To make sure you receive future emails,
please add ajupin@eiconline.org to your address book or safe list.
Trouble viewing this email? Click Here.

Real World Innovation: Where Technology &
Mental Illness Meet

Suggestions for Depiction

Technology may hold the key to finding new ways to treat mental illnesses.

“The way the media portrays mental illness has the power to update public perception and change public attitude.”
-Dr. Robin Kay, Chief Deputy Director of the LA County Department of Mental Health

Where appropriate, try to include the mention of new technologies that are being used to manage symptoms related to certain mental health challenges like Autism Spectrum, PTSD, and other Anxiety Disorders. Technology like virtual reality and computer games are not only useful in treating these conditions but also training future providers to effectively help patients.

Think about ways to show the barriers that mental illness may cause. Consider having your character face obstacles, such as social anxiety, and learn how to overcome it by seeking help from those around them. For example, sources of support may include school psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Are these options available in the location in which your character lives and learns?

A person is much more than their diagnosis. Consider focusing on your character’s social needs such as love, friendship, and comforts of home, despite their mental illness. For example, you could depict your character making friends and how that process is possibly affected by their mental health challenges leading the friends to be curious about the disorder. This also allows your character the opportunity to explain his/her condition in a child-friendly way.

Consider showing your character excelling in school and getting along with classmates and teachers to dispel common stereotypes about children with mental illnesses.

Submit Today!
Click here to download the full submissions packet!
SET Awards are presented to movies, TV series, radio and television news programs, print and online journalism for accurate and impactful entertainment portraying and promoting the fields of science, engineering, technology and math.

Visit EIC Online!

www.eiconline.org/readyontheset

For More EIC Updates Visit our Social Networking Sites!

In this issue...
Technology & Mental Illness

Suggestions for Depicting Technology & its intersection with Mental Illness
A Message from Brian Dyak
Did you know?

Profile On: A Minds Eye, Madly In Love and MiniMe -- Tools created by teens for those living with mental illness
Submit to the 3rd Annual SET Awards!

A Message from EIC President, CEO & Co-Founder Brian Dyak

Technology and mental health have always been interconnected. New research projects focusing on virtual patients are training future providers using virtual worlds that can help individuals living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other illnesses [source]. Technology is providing tools for successful treatment and recovery that go far beyond traditional treatment. Until recently, many of these tools seemed more like science fiction, but images seen in futuristic productions are getting real world application, and making a difference in people’s lives. New technologies and apps created by young innovators for use on a tablet or smart phone have also become a valuable resource for people living with a mental illness.

As creators, your authentic and compelling portrayals of diagnosed mental illnesses in media and entertainment, can disprove stereotypes and by showcasing exceptional technologies you can inspire future innovators to create the tools and therapies of tomorrow. Spotlighting innovation in media and entertainment amplifies your power and influence to motivate change in attitudes and behaviors.

Did you know?

stock-footage-mobile-apps-seamless-background-loop

Apps may one day be available for your smart phone to treat mental illness. Whether treatment is pharmaceutical, talk therapy, or engaging in certain activities, the apps recommend variations on your treatment depending on how you answer certain questions.

[Source - http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127081326]

Watch the Webcast!

EIC's Skylar Jackson, External Communications and Program Director, will be moderating “We Don’t Hate Math: Closing the Gender Gap” which will be broadcast TODAY Tuesday, June 18th at 9:45am CST. The Panel will be archived at usnewsstemsolutions.com

For a peek at the great roster
of speakers, visit
www.usnewsstemsolutions.com/speakers.

Profile On: A Minds Eye, Madly In Love and MiniMe --
Tools created by teens for those living with mental illness

Innovation Labs, a project in the UK, decided to create apps that could help 16-25 year olds cope with mental illness. To get the project started, teens, mental health professionals, and innovators congregated to come up with ideas for new apps related to mental illness. Over 100 ideas were suggested on the first day of the meeting, and were later narrowed down to eight, including: A Mind’s Eye; Madly in Love; and MiniMe.

solutions key iStock_000009440149Medium (1)

solutions key iStock_000009440149Medium (1)

A Mind’s Eye helps teens recognize what external factors, like stress, can do to trigger an episode that could have dramatic consequences. Madly in Love teaches strategies for understanding, coping with, and solving everyday issues that may occur in romantic relationships. MiniMe is an app designed to help teens accomplish tasks independently, to enhance their recovery and limit the need for assistance.

EIC's FREE Technical Assistance Resource

to the Creative Community!

To set up your own FREE First Draft Consultation with one of our experts contact Ashley Jupin: ajupin@eiconline.org

or 818-861-7782

Mark your calendar for
EIC's Summer Briefings

Veterans Issues for Storytellers
Presented in partnership with SAG-AFTRA Military Personnel & Families Support Committee and the Producers Guild of America
July 11, 2013 - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
SAG-AFTRA Cagney Board Room
RSVP

Understanding Mental Health Recovery for Storytellers
August 8, 2013 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood
RSVP

Click here for more information about these briefings!