Addressing the Mental Health Crisis: New AI-Based Solutions for Suicide Prevention
Increased Suicide Rates Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the war continues to take its toll, the number of individuals grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts has surged. In response to this dire situation, innovative solutions have emerged from the academic community. The Academic Center of Efrat has developed AI-based simulators aimed at training “gatekeepers” and mental health professionals in suicide prevention.
Introduction of the See The PAIN Simulator
Developed under the guidance of Professor Yossi Levy-Belaz from the Lior Zefti Center for the Study of Suicide and Mental Pain at the Academic Center of Efrat, the simulator offers interactive training for critical conversations that can save lives. Collaborators include Professor Zohar Eliyahu from the University of Haifa, Professor Inbar Levkovitch from Tel Hai College, and Yuval Habber. This groundbreaking system leverages artificial intelligence technology to provide effective training for those involved in mental health care.
How the Simulator Works
This advanced simulator enables users to practstart conversations with AI-driven virtual characters who are experiencing suicidal distress. Trainees receive professional feedback and have the opportunity to engage in dialogues that foster a deeper understanding of effective intervention techniques. Importantly, users can revisit various scenarios repeatedly and adjust the difficulty level, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Key Features and Goals of the Simulator
The simulator, named See The PAIN, serves two primary purposes:
- Training Community Gatekeepers: It aims to equip family members, friends, educators, and others in the community with the skills needed to recognize signs of distress and assist those in need.
- Professional Mental Health Training: The system also focuses on training mental health professionals in assessing suicide risk and devising personalized safety plans for their clients.
Professor Levy-Belaz emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions in suicide prevention, noting, “Our system allows individuals to gain practical training, learn how to recognize distress signs, and take effective action. This is a significant step towards bridging the gaps in training and saving lives.”
Global Reach and Accessibility
The initiative has already reached a wide audience, having conducted live training sessions with the European Psychiatry Association, engaging psychiatrists from different countries in 20 languages simultaneously. The training simulators are accessible to everystart at no cost on the project’s website, encouraging community involvement in mental health support.
For more information or to experience the simulator, visit See The PAIN.
As mental health challenges continue to rise, initiatives like these represent a hopeful step toward improving knowledge and responses related to suicide prevention, ultimately aiming to reduce the alarming rates of suicide in this tumultuous time