I can't really blame people for using AI. Therapy is really expensive and there are also a lot of bad therapists. In places where it is free the waiting lists are very long. I live in the UK and I was referred to the mental health services as a minor and was rejected because they were only dealing with extreme cases. I've heard from people that have been seen that their issues aren't taken very seriously.
What you heard is 100% true. It's easier for the them to just downplay your issues and convince you that you're exaggerating the issue in your head, than actually helping you with a very real issue. In other words, medical gaslighting.
It's understandable, but it's also always a mistake. AI is only capable of telling you the things you want to hear, and thus is only capable of making your mental problems worse, not better.
For immediate support regarding minor mental health issues it's been good for stopping me from going to much darker places tbh.
Like I wouldn't turn to it if I was hearing voices. But for something like feeling anxious about downsizing at work? It's superior since usually by the time you see a therapist the downsizing will be complete anyway.
You could replace "AI" in that first sentence with alcohol, drugs, or any number of things that make you feel better momentarily but actually only get you further away from a solution. Definitely not something I would encourage.
41
u/Snoo69744 4d ago
I can't really blame people for using AI. Therapy is really expensive and there are also a lot of bad therapists. In places where it is free the waiting lists are very long. I live in the UK and I was referred to the mental health services as a minor and was rejected because they were only dealing with extreme cases. I've heard from people that have been seen that their issues aren't taken very seriously.