How we can use virtual reality to support our mental health | Alexandra Kitson | TEDxSFU

[dans-designs]

This really is the future! Imagine combining this technology with the medical "Placebo Effect". We could literally heal our bodies by believing what we are seeing! Great work Alexandra, keep it up! Namaste x

[RobertA-hqvz]

From the negative comments I've seen posted here I can tell that many of the people here have never experienced VR. I've had VR for 6 years now and its life changing. Living alone and working alone weeks can go by without me speaking to anyone. Yet, by simply slipping on my headset I'd be transported to fabulous worlds in VRchat, and spend hours laughing and talking to people from all over the world, and of different age groups, and different cultures. Not just seeing them on a screen but actually being inside these worlds and speaking to people right there next to me. Anyone that does not try VR if given a chance is missing out on a fantastic experience.

[michaelbidu]

Great talk Alexandra. Done with passion, knowledge and kindness. 

I read a few negative comments and, as expected, most of the people who wrote them have never experienced VR. Perhaps one thing that you may want to add to your future presentations is letting the audience know that there is more than 30 years of solid research in applications of VR for PTSD, anxiety, acute pain and chronic pain, obesity and eating disorders, physical rehab and more. 

VR is safe and effective when it is based on science and clinical practice. If you add gamification it can also be a lot of fun. It can deliver better health outcomes when associated with neuroscience, psychology, advanced biosensors, gamification and storytelling.

As you suggested we use VR as the ultimate simulation machine to train astronauts, fighter jet pilots, quarterbacks, F1 pilots, brain surgeons and other professionals where precision is the difference between life and death or between winning and losing a Grand Prix or The Super Bowl.

[jodhturka]

I got VR last year, I was socially burnt out from almost a year of being stuck home. I began to socialize more and began to improve my relations in real life while slowly working my way through social anxiety. I think it holds great potential if we can start integrating it within learning experiences to uplift the existing educational structure. IF you haven't tried it YOU SHOULD! it's a true wonder to behold

[ClickingHeads]

Video games/ virtual reality is the absolute worst thing you can do when facing a mental illness. It's kind of like getting drunk to forget your problems. You need to face your problems head on in the real world this way the anxiety doesn't stick with you.

This is why I'm convinced my generation so emotionally because we spent all this time not actually fixing problems. The problems become much worse the longer you push them down the road.

[dbk]

Wow, Alex, so proud of you following your heart and trying to make this world a safer, better place. Thank you. ❤️

[KCinSD]

Nice way to exacerbate the issue even more.

[salihawouda]

Virtual reality can really help with mental health !

[CoolGirl]

Yeah I need this for mental health especially the part of space travelling think not coming back again

[Jessilavender]

outside and experience the wonders of the natural world! we are not appart from nature we are a part of it.
Stay connected

[OzPanthera]

I haven't had much experience using VR to-date however I can see the potential where it could benefit mental health well-being, the only issue I can foresee is to find the best software about that's not 'clunky' etc and is truly a medically certified?? ie correctly categorised by some governing body that deems the use as being beneficial and NOT mentally/emotionally harmful in anyway. My impression is (and I'm only really guessing here) is that that whole infrastructure is either non existent yet or in its infancy- happy to be advised of any further information about any or all of the above. Thank you for posting the video and of course your dedication to learning/studying more about this incredibly important affliction which as you rightly pointed out affects millions of people from every corner of the globe.

[Quickeasyguitarlessons]

This is interesting
Now we’re seeing TEDx speeches on what we’ve been watching in all anti-utopian movies
People dealing with their problems by diving into virtual reality
I think there are going to be repercussions for using such methods

[Sittininthesun]

Shut the devices off and go live your life. That how.

[feest]

Maybe we should use reality to support our mental health

[JosefMackiewicz]

Oh no no please please not yet!! It's not time for that method!! Have to fix the foundation before building the mansion ! Unless your aware this is another pretty band-aid in the attempt to cure or remove the mental cancer! Please reached out for deeper understanding to clarify and to extinguishe assumptions and filled in blanks! From much love 😊

[cutlsenc]

I need this ! My emotional reaction game is not fun! I wish it had been available when I was young

[TonyL-gwqx]

Never so angry I wanted to scream into a pillow? Never !

[JK_JK_JK_JK]

Next: How can we use Virtual Reality to help the people of Ukraine!!! 👍

[kevinnorwood]

Or you can read a book, go for a walk, take a bike, etc.

[jaysundj]

What is the fixation with these people and their need for a digital world? VR, AI, IoT…