Julia Imo: Predicting Mental Health: Know Science, No Stigma
Mental health significantly impacts global wellbeing, yet traditional care often focuses on Western medical approaches, primarily using medications. Research shows that culturally sensitive measures are essential for improving outcomes, especially in the Pacific Islands, where cultural nuances shape mental health understanding. We can reframe mental healthcare by validating cultural practices and recognising the interplay between physical and mental health. One potential method for mental health assessment is gait analysis. This unique approach analyses the unique way how individuals walk, offering a novel perspective on mental health conditions. Its potential to detect issues in natural environments makes it a particularly valuable tool in mental healthcare. This poster highlights the importance of integrating cultural understanding to innovate mental health wearables. We purposefully adopted a strengths-based perspective and applied positive language to convey our endeavours. By using bright colours and cheerful motifs, this work highlights a futuristic, solutions-oriented approach to mental health research.