NICHE FEATURE
Technology and mental health C
ould an emotional intelligence app complete the puzzle that is mental health? Hidden deep down in the subconscious mind, often beyond the reach of traditional psychology and further complicated by the fear and stigma of being labelled as an emotional liability, mental health is a puzzle that we are continuously trying to complete. In a bid to solve this puzzle, the world is now looking to technology to provide some answers. Function Jigsaw, a business centred on the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, has partnered with CCR3, a world-leading authority on cognitiveemotional intelligence, on a wellness app called E.Q.M.E. Designed to create self-awareness of a person’s emotional intelligence, the app taps into the gears of their EQ (emotional intelligence) which are intrinsically linked to mental wellness and a person’s capability, the app is revolutionary in its approach. “It’s now globally recognised that effectively measuring emotional intelligence is critical in a person’s
ability to fully recover and perform. It plays a far greater part in a person’s ability to be successful in both their personal life and their career,” Julie Hayton, director at Function tells me. A critical component of success is to be more self-aware and to understand how you think and make decisions. To know your mental strengths and to feel confident to use them, is all part of what a greater understanding of ourselves creates. The app helps users to see and experience themselves with a deeper understanding, to make them more self-aware, and better at playing to their strengths. “We see people increase their thinking and intellectual horsepower because of opening up their mind to new and better ways of being themselves. The app is a powerful way for employees and employers to understand one another better and tap into their full potential. “Much of current psychology at large, when looking at a person to help them fix themselves or help them understand their ‘personality’ so that
Function Jigsaw
THE APP HELPS USERS TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE THEMSELVES WITH A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING, TO MAKE THEM MORE SELF-AWARE, AND BETTER AT PLAYING TO THEIR STRENGTHS
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they can understand themselves, is flawed and based around fitting people in boxes. Using emotional intelligence technology goes far deeper than these boxes allow.” The science is ultra-modern, utilises decades of research and applied mathematics and is independently validated by some of the world’s leading thought psychologists. So, if an app like E.Q.M.E could help us solve our puzzling mental health problems, it could be a starting point for businesses that are building their mental health policies to support their employees. Whether it’s motivation, menopause, or a mental health condition you’re struggling with, your time at work will play a role in your ability to cope. It’s an employer’s responsibility to help support that, but we can also help ourselves and each other by working on our selfdevelopment and considering the mental health of others. For more advice visit, functionjigsaw.co.uk.