Analyzing the Challenges Facing Digital Mental Health (DMH) Between Aspiration and Reality

DMH, or Digital Mental Health, involves providing mental health support through messages, videos, programs, applications, games, and other means. As the global demand for mental health services rises and traditional institutions face increasing pressure, Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHIs) offer a potential solution by addressing issues such as stigma, confidentiality, and lack of motivation. This paper aims to explore the challenges that may hinder the optimal use of DMHIs, along with any shortcomings they might have. It also addresses concerns that have emerged in the digital world, including issues with human interactions, particularly face-to-face interactions and lack of physical contact, confidentiality, and the consideration of individual differences such as age, gender, and race. Furthermore, discussing the inadequacy in addressing pivotal topics such as Severe Mental Illnesses (SMIs) and suicidality within the current model of Digital Mental Health (DMH). It also seeks to identify suitable approaches to overcome these challenges. As a conclusion, there is an ongoing need for evidence-based applications in DMH, aiming to provide guidance for the development of further research and trials that include a larger audience and lower bias.