FAQs
About the App
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EHS is a mental health app designed for adults suffering from PTSD (please see FAQ # 23 for more on PTSD). The app is meant to reduce acute symptoms of PTSD, increase help seeking behavior, reduce stigma, create mental health awareness, and provide a community space for people to listen to and share their stories.
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Once you have created an account, you can choose to use the app anonymously. Each user will be put into a group with other users according to gender and language. The users will then be guided through carefully curated weekly modules to share their story and listen to the story of others in a similar situation, as well as learn critical skills to manage their distress.
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Storytelling allows people to share their stories with others who might have similar experiences. From the context of mental health care, this can be especially beneficial for reducing isolation and stigma, as people see that they’re not alone in their struggles. EHS has integrated this traditional therapeutic approach into a digital platform, using video recordings from users to share and listen to stories.
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Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee this app will help everyone. However, the power of storytelling can extend beyond individual therapy sessions. Listening to the stories of others can be very therapeutic as well as foster empathy and connection to others in a similar situation. Active listening creates a space where people feel heard and understood, reinforcing their sense of self-worth.
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Yes. We provide the user with the opportunity to remain anonymous by blurring their video and/or using our voice changer option.
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The privacy of each User is of utmost importance to EHS. Aside from adhering to stringent EU data and privacy regulations, we offer each User the opportunity to remain anonymous while recording their videos. EHS does not collect sensitive User information other than their email or phone number, gender, country of origin, and language preference - all of which are essential to providing a unique environment for each User.
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The EHS App is currently only available through partner organizations. If you are an organization working with vulnerable populations, please contact us for further information.
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The current program on the app is designed for 8 weeks, during which you'll have full access to all app features. After completing the program, you will still have access to certain features, which includes the activities and your stories.
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The app is distributed through partner organizations and is not currently accessible to the general public. The organization you are affiliated with will provide you with access to the app at no cost.
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The app is currently available in English, Arabic, and Ukrainian.
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Only members in your group and EHS Admin can view your videos.
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If you are an Android user:
Open the Settings app on your Android device > Tap on "Apps" or "Applications" (the exact name may vary depending on your device) > Find the app you want to disable in the list of installed apps and tap on it > On the app's info page, you should see a "Disable" button. Tap on it.
If you are an iOS:
Touch and hold the app icon on the Home Screen > Tap "Remove App" > Choose "Delete App" to completely remove it from your device. -
You can request EHS Admin to delete your uploaded videos and data. Please contact info@everyone-has-a-story.org
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The EHS app ensures the security of your account, and access is not shared with anyone else. You will receive a unique OTP each time you log in to the app, allowing only you to use it.
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You will continue to have access to your data. The app functionality is not device-specific and the data will be available with your new phone.
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EHS does not collect sensitive User information other than their email or phone number, gender, country of origin, and language preference - all of which are essential to providing a customized environment for each User.
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While we can't predict or prevent every emotional reaction, EHS is committed to supporting users throughout their journey. We have resources and specially designed activities within the app to help manage emotional distress.
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Sharing your story and the events that led you to this place has the potential to bring up difficult feelings. However, telling your story is an important step in your healing journey. EHS has created many activities to help you cope and manage your difficult feelings. If you feel uncertain or unwell, please visit the Activities page in the app.
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No. The EHS app is an interactive Digital Storytelling (DST) platform that relies on the stories of you and others in your group. It is important to follow the modules, tell your story, and listen to the stories of others. This ensures everyone in your group and the EHS community benefits.
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As we embark on this project and build our library of Stories, we will have a dedicated team of reviewers and supervisors reviewing each and every video in its entirety to ensure appropriate content and language. As the EHS app scales, we will integrate AI technology to scrutinize the content of every video in a two-step process. This will eventually evolve into an AI reviewer and a human approve.
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If you feel triggered while watching videos of others sharing their stories, here are some steps you can take:
Pause the Video: Take a break from watching to give yourself some space to breathe and process your feelings.Practice Grounding Techniques: Use grounding techniques like deep breathing, focusing on your surroundings, or using sensory items (like a stress ball) to help you feel more present. Please check our activities section to guide you through these activities.
Reach Out for Support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member about how you're feeling, or consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance.
Take Care of Yourself: Engage in self-care activities that help you feel safe and relaxed, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness.
Know It's Okay to Step Away: If you need to, it’s perfectly fine to stop watching the videos. Your well-being is the priority.
Remember, it's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being.
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The app is available to individuals aged 18 and older.
PTSD
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Most people go through some kind of traumatic event in their lifetime. In some cases, the effects are short-term but for many people, those experiences persist for years causing post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. Events such as natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war or combat, rape or sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying, or death of a loved one could be the source of developing PTSD.
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PTSD symptoms often fall into four categories: a) intrusive thoughts or images related to the traumatic experience, such as; nightmares and vivid flashbacks, b) avoiding reminders of the trauma, c) negative thoughts or feelings like fear and anger, and, d) reactive symptoms like irritability and sleep difficulty. However, not everyone has these symptoms to the same extent or intensity and each person’s experience is unique to them.
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Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault while others can be less clear.
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A mental health professional who has experience helping people with trauma, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, can determine whether symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD.
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Yes, absolutely. Social support, empathy, and support are key steps towards recovery. If you think someone is suffering from PTSD, encourage them to contact a mental health professional who will introduce them to treatment options after conducting an evaluation.
Digital Storytelling
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Digital storytelling for PTSD involves using technology to help individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share and process their traumatic experiences in a structured and therapeutic manner. This approach integrates personal stories in the form of videos to create an interactive storytelling experience.
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Digital storytelling allows people to share their experiences and tell their stories via a digital platform which has therapeutic benefits. This allows broader access for those in need, especially in areas where traditional therapy cannot meet the rising demand.