The use of AI for mental health support: Some things to consider

Christmas can be a very difficult time for many people, re-igniting family disputes or contributing to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many of us will have a break from therapy over the Christmas and New Year period, and may be tempted to turn to Artificial Intelligence programs like ChatGPT to fill the gap during this time.

Research suggests that over 35% of UK adults have used AI platforms for mental health and wellbeing support, with this number rising to over 60% for young adults. Young people report finding AI chatbots more approachable, friendly and, crucially, always available.  

AI can be very useful when seeking mental health support - it shows empathy for the problem, and is very good at reflecting back the issue being discussed. It has all of the world's knowledge available to it, so it is excellent at presenting a credible summary of therapeutic theory, in order to help the user understand what they are experiencing. It can trawl forums such as Reddit, and come back with a remarkably accurate understanding of how the user feels in the moment.  It really can make you feel heard and understood.

As a therapist, I am not entirely against the use of AI as a therapeutic tool. I think that it can really help people to unpack complex problems, and can offer emotional support in the absence of a friend or therapist. It can offer useful insight into the issue at hand. It can also provide useful grounding techniques and ways to manage anxiety. 

However, I would suggest that you consider a few points before turning to ChatGPT after an infuriating argument with your in-laws over Christmas dinner.   

Artificial Intelligence is uncannily brilliant at mimicking conversation styles and anticipating what will happen next. It is trained to do this, and trains itself via conversations with other users. Without wishing to state the obvious, it is not human - however much it may feel like you are talking to a friend. It has trained itself to appear human. If an actual human engaged in this behaviour, we might call them a sociopath.   

It is worth remembering that while AI can be very insightful, it does not have a conscience, intuition, or genuine empathy. It cannot feel alongside you, and sit with you in your distress. It is not able to read your body language and tone, and offer insights based on what it is like to sit with you face to face. It isn't able to work with projection or the therapeutic relationship.  

One crucial role of the therapist is to challenge the client. This is best done when the client and therapist know each other, and are comfortable with one another to the point that they have developed a high level of trust. It involves gently drawing the client's attention to any patterns, resistances, circular thinking or self-criticism that may be cropping up in the client's story. AI chatbots are not able to do this. They typically agree with and validate you to the point of collusion.

So, if you are intending to use ChatGPT to support yourself over the Christmas break, I would invite you to separately explore the following questions:

• How can I look after myself in this moment? Can I show myself some more compassion?
• If I am criticising myself or being overly punitive with myself, where is that critical voice coming from, and can I reason with it?
• What pattern am I repeating here? Where have I experienced this pattern before?
• What intrusive thoughts are coming up for me? Where have these come up before, and can I challenge them?
• How am I contributing to my own discomfort, and what can I do differently?

Not all of these questions will be relevant to you, but they could help you to explore your issue in a little more depth. It may be useful to journal about your experiences - this can be really helpful for unpacking complex situations. It gives the thinking brain something to do, and can therefore allow the unconscious to come to the surface. It could also be useful to explore the issue with a trusted friend, or go for a walk in nature, which will help to provide some space and a renewed perspective. 

If you are in a crisis situation then always call The Samaritans on 116 123, or an ambulance on 999 if necessary. I hope that you are able to get through the Christmas period feeling cared for, listened to and supported.