Seems every day there is a new app designed to support some angle of well-being. Many are seeing great opportunity in the integration of technology and mental health. With technology we have awareness of mental health issues and ease of access to resources like never before. Many cost effective supports found on-line are great supplements to in-person therapy, some work just fine by themselves (I’m a big fan to Brain.fm and Others are seeing how our obsession with technology can turn into a huge distraction, or even addiction driving us to increased loneliness and second-guessing our worth.
Check it out: https://irel8.org/
In this interview I chat with some amazing impact entrepreneurs who are a force for good in this space. They have found a way to harness the power of peer support — at very unique peer group levels — to give people a way to connect with others who are walking a similar path. iRel8.org is an anonymous, peer-to-peer social network that proactively uses technology to provide access to support people 24/7/365 in 63 languages. Some giants like Microsoft have taken notice. Founded by a passion fueled by their own lived experience, Dion Gonzales and Jeff Dorchester are filling an important gap in our chain of survival.
Twitter: @iRel8org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iRel8org/
About Dion and Jeff
Dion Gonzales - Co-Founder of iRel8.org
Dion is a successful entrepreneur and executive with a proven history of creating and delivering successful products and companies, domestically and internationally. Today, his passion is to make positive impact on mental wellness globally. He has been fortunate to have founded three companies which have all been acquired, and now looks to improve lives worldwide.
Jeff Dorchester — Co-Founder of iRel8.org
Jeff is an experienced and successful designer, entrepreneur, and executive with decades of passion and innovation in the technology space. Today, he brings in an emotional side of life in my new company iRel8, a new peer-to-peer social network for mental wellness.
Show Notes
Microsoft articles and videos:
iRel8 partners with groups like veterans and artists to help reduce the stigma of mental illness: https://news.microsoft.com/transform/irel8-partners-veterans-artists-reduce-mental-illness-stigma/?ocid=internalshare
A new app aims to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health: https://news.microsoft.com/transform/a-new-app-aims-to-shatter-the-stigma-surrounding-mental-health/
Theo Fleury’s greatest goal: The hockey legend turns to tech to help others (like him) heal after trauma https://news.microsoft.com/transform/theo-fleury-hockey-legend-tech-help-others-like-him-heal-trauma/
Microsoft Ignite Keynote - https://myignite.techcommunity.microsoft.com/sessions/66696
15 Top Apps for Resilience, Mental Health Promotion & Suicide Prevention: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/dr-sally-speaks-blog/2017/10/8/15-top-apps-for-resilience-mental-health-promotion-suicide-prevention
FORBES - The Rise Of Digital Technology In Mental Health https://www.forbes.com/sites/toriutley/2016/05/24/the-rise-of-cognitive-technology-in-mental-health/#2178324146a1
Peer Support & The Helper Effect -- When Doing Good Feels Good: Interview with Lt. John Coppedge: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/29
What You Need to Know about Peer Support as a Critical Link in the Chain of Survival: Interview with Eduardo Vega https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/9
“The Mental Wellness App That's Breaking All Barriers” on CheddarTV - https://cheddar.com/videos/the-mental-wellness-app-thats-breaking-all-barriers
Dr.Joy Show - https://vimeo.com/288393707
eHealthNews - http://ehealthnews.co.za/irel8-providing-safe-space-seeking-support/
Press Releases
“Rel8.org and The Green Beret Association Partner to Deliver a Mental Wellness Social Network to Current and Retired Special Forces Personnel and Their Families” http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb15327731.htm
“iRel8.org Announces Global Capability Spanning Sixty-Three Languages, New Partnerships, and Implementation of Key Microsoft Products” https://www.prweb.com/releases/irel8_org_announces_global_capability_spanning_sixty_three_languages_new_partnerships_and_implementation_of_key_microsoft_products/prweb15779210.htm
Podcasts - https://beyondthebigredtruck.com/episodes/ - this podcast was created by Brad Robinson who is a firefighter and has dealt with PTSD first hand, we’re Episode 13.
https://6figuredev.com/podcast/episode-069-irel8-with-dion-gonzales-jeff-dorchester/
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