COMPARING THE SEVERITY LEVELS OF DEPRESSION BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN ACROSS DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN THERAP-EASE MOBILE APPLICATION

Abstract

Mobile applications that facilitate psychological treatment and mindfulness techniques bridge the gap between therapists and patients. However, it is essential to develop culturally appropriate platforms. A mobile phone application, TherapEase, was developed to help users access professional mental health services from the comfort of their own homes. TherapEase app features mindfulness techniques and also an integrated mental health assessment tool to help users assess their current symptoms of depression. Data from 170 users, comprising 93  men and 77 women, across various age ranges, were collected over two weeks. The 18-24 age group has emerged as the most vulnerable for both genders. Women exhibit unique vulnerabilities, with isolated cases of extremely severe combinations in the below-18 age range (0.6%), a trend not observed in men. The highest severity of depression occurs more frequently in men (7.1%) compared to women (5.2%). Both genders show significant mental health distress, with women displaying slightly broader severity across age groups. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, especially for women around the 18-year age range, offering hope for improved mental health outcomes. Despite noticeable differences in severity levels of depression between men and women, it is noteworthy that a major portion of high severities lie in the 18-24 age range, which highlights the struggles of youth in Pakistan. Institutes should facilitate students by providing them with the necessary help and guidance to help minimize the prevailing mental health issues.