Tracing Tomorrow

By Tilly Rose

'Can a computer detect your mental health?' 

'Who is in control of your mental health information?' 

'Does everyone want to know this information?' 

'How should it be recorded?' 

Oxford University are carrying out a research project, on the topic of mental health prediction and early intervention and they want to know your views!

Technologies are being developed which can predict how at risk you are of developing a mental health challenge (in the broadest sense). 

The benefit: to offer clinical support for challenges earlier and enable the most positive lifestyle.

The problem: Does everyone want to know this information? How should it be recorded? Who has the right to it? How does this affect your identity?

So, TOG community, it's time to have YOUR say.

Click the link here to play 'Tracing Tomorrow' and contribute in a fun way to a cutting edge

Oxford Uni mental health research study: https://tracingtomorrow.org/src/

When I was approached about this fascinating campaign, I was asked to consider my own mental health journey. As many of you know, my time at Oxford Uni was defined by living with 13 years of undiagnosed Tuberculosis and having to undergo 18 months of chemotherapy treatment. Coping with this, whilst also trying to navigate an Oxford degree, certainly wasn’t easy. I had to be super organised, always planning ahead, with the likelihood of another hospital admission around the corner. 

So, the image I think sums up my journey is the ‘juggler’. I was trying to juggle so many balls at the same time – attempting to study, attend hospital appointments, emergency admissions, whilst also trying to retain a semblance of ‘normality’, with friends and family. My big thing at the time was a desperation NOT to be labelled which meant I often hid the reality of what was going on from those around me, just wanting to be like all of my friends. But juggling is tiring and sometimes you just can’t keep all of those balls in the air. 

Through my work with 'That Oxford Girl' I have met so many amazing individuals, who have overcome huge obstacles and challenges, whilst applying to and studying at Oxford Uni. In the highly pressured environments of school and university, it's important to acknowledge that it really is ok, not to be ok and to be aware that there are so many support networks in place, if it ever gets too much.

As young people, I feel it's really important we engage in the conversations surrounding mental health and ensure our voices are heard. So, do take a few minutes out of your day to contribute to this debate about your future: https://tracingtomorrow.org/src/

#AD