Montreal hospital hopes to prevent suicides in young people with video game’s help

Researchers at Montreal's Douglas Hospital are hoping a video game will help prevent youth suicides and improve mental health.

Researchers at Montreal’s Douglas Hospital are working on a new way to help young people deal with mental health challenges.

The idea is to give them coping mechanisms via an interactive, colourful video game created for and by young people “to get the information they need, the skill, and help them to overcome whatever they are experiencing,” says Douglas Hospital researcher Manuela Ferrari.

By creating a video game, she says it’s a way to meet young people where they’re comfortable, especially given the stigma surrounding mental health.

The game provides players with an opportunity to deal with their various stresses.

“There is a scene in the game where a person goes for a walk and sits down and starts to do some breathing exercises,” Ferrari gives as an example.

While the game doesn’t use artificial intelligence, it does come at a time when more and more young people are turning to AI for mental health support.

“Like everything, it can be misused,” says UQAM psychology professor Cecile Bardon, who adds that AI can include biases. “The way AI systems are built, they are built to agree with you, they are built to encourage you, and that validates what you’re saying.”

This happened to 24-year-old Alice Carrier last summer. She had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and died by suicide.

Her final conversation is believed to have been with ChatGPT. Her family said the chatbot was confirming her fears and doubts.

“Instead of providing support, it validated the suicide intent,” said Bardon.

That’s why Ferrari says games like the Road Ahead can be important, especially at a time when accessing mental health services can be a challenge.

“What if we provide something that is evidence-based?” said Ferrari. “It’s friendly, such as a video game, something that we do play for pleasure, for enjoyment, and that is the environment where they get the information they need, the skill, and they can help them to overcome whatever they are experiencing.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available.

• Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)
• Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
• Kids Help Phone [phone])

If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.