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Anxiety & Depression
What is Depression and Anxiety?
According to the World Health Organization statistics, depression and anxiety are common illnesses that affect approximately 280 million people in the world, affecting 5.0% of adults and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. Over 700 000 people die due to suicide every year, resulting in suicide being the fourth leading cause of death. Depression and anxiety are vital yet complex research areas as there is no single cause of depression. It can occur for various reasons, such as a stressful life event.
Current solutions for treating depression are long-term solutions such as therapy and changes in daily routine. However, there are limited solutions that focus on immediate relief. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety levels increased by 25% worldwide, and research in this area remains important as the world recovers from the pandemic.
The Melo Band
Our team aims to develop a wristband, the Melo band - a hug on a hand. The Melo band uses the concept of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) as a solution to reduce the anxiety and stress levels of individuals. Our team researched the application of DPS, through the means of providing modest rhythmic vibration, to the pinched nerve. We developed the Melo band such that an automatic deep pressure is to the pinched nerve as the Heart Rate Variability signal deviates away from the normal threshold of the user. We have discovered that applying deep pressure to the pinched nerve aids in relieving anxiety and stress experienced by the user.
Our Partners
Our proposed prototype Computer Aided Design model
Our team is working in collaboration with Open Source Medical Supplies BC
Student Achievement
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Winners of the Open Source Medical Supplies SPARK design competition
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Second Place at the IDEAlab Ideathon
Finalists at the Medical Device Development Center of BC design competition
Leadership
