By Abbey Cannan
An exciting virtual reality initiative designed to improve mood, wellbeing, and positive future thinking has opened on the Sunshine Coast.
With the pressure on mental health services, Youturn, has been actively seeking alternative therapeutic solutions to help meet increased demand.
Edge of the Present (EOTP) is an immersive virtual reality experience designed as a seven-minute enjoyable public artwork, where users are invited to explore multiple landscapes using mixed-reality software with the aim of improving mood, wellbeing, and positive future thinking in those who take part.
Youturn chief executive officer Dr Tanya Bell said they were excited to partner with UNSW and Black Dog Institute to participate in ongoing research into mixed reality as a powerful therapeutic tool.
“We are using it to provide a gap between seeing a mental health clinician as a therapeutic tool to help deal with anxiety, depression and all things related to mental health,“ she said.
“The research behind this is really extensive. The Black Dog Institute, together with people with lived experience of suicidality, depression, anxiety, along with creative arts people, have come together to create what they call The Edge of the Present.
“So people who are experiencing poor mental health have actually participated in designing a solution to help reduce anxiety.
“I’ve had a few goes at it. It’s very relaxing and you lose that sense of time. You come out with a sense of overwhelming happiness and relaxation.
“This is available for anybody. It’s a free service that YouTurn is offering. All you have to do is go onto our website and book a session with us.“
To book a session visit youturn.org.au/how-you-can-help/i-see-a-brighter-future/
