Re-imagine Series:
Depression Ruth Dwyer
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. – Marie Curie
Problem: Depression—lack of early detection leads to lost potential for individuals and society. New Tech Implications: • Developments in sound recognition is promising for early diagnosis. • Telemedicine provides a convenient way for many patients to receive care that they would not otherwise engage with. Change Hypotheses: • New technology available to help people self-diagnose mental illnesses virtually • Help doctors diagnose during visits • Increased publicity on how to treat early • New medications Dream: • Everyone will have depression and anxiety diagnosed at its earliest stage • Increased healthy lifestyles • Decreased substance use • Increased productivity for the world Marie Curie’s quote shown above points to so many truths. Today, I would like us to think about how the stigma attached to depression keeps us from knowing more
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