September 2025
🐰🐰 AI + Mental Health: The promises & The Risks
“The challenge of future artificial intelligence is to convert the modern data driven society to value driven society.” ― Amit Ray, Compassionate Artificial Intelligence
The only constant is change...
Can AI Really Help with Mental Health?
Lately, you’ve probably seen headlines about people turning to tools like ChatGPT for support with stress, anxiety, or even mental health struggles. AI - Artificial Intelligence - can feel like a friendly ear that’s always available, but it’s important to understand both what it can do—and what it can’t.
Why People Are Turning to AI for Support
1. It’s always there.
AI chatbots are available 24/7, without waitlists or scheduling. If you’re feeling down late at night, it can be reassuring to type your thoughts somewhere and get a response.
2. It feels private and stigma-free.
Some people find it easier to open up to an anonymous tool than to another person, especially if they feel embarrassed or nervous about sharing.
3. It can help with everyday stress.
Studies show that AI tools can be useful for things like managing mild anxiety or depression, offering self-care ideas, or helping people stick to healthy habits.
4. It can support therapy—not replace it.
Some therapists use AI to give clients practice exercises, track progress, or share resources between sessions. For many, AI works best as a supplement to professional care.
Where AI Falls Short
1. It struggles with crisis situations.
Research shows AI is inconsistent—and sometimes unsafe—when people talk about suicide or self-harm. Unlike a trained professional, it can’t fully understand risk, urgency, or the nuance of what you’re going through.
2. It doesn’t know you.
AI doesn’t have access to your history, body language, or emotional cues. That means it can give advice that sounds good but doesn’t fit your unique situation.
3. It can make mistakes.
Sometimes AI produces “hallucinations”—responses that sound confident but are inaccurate or even harmful. This is especially risky if you’re seeking guidance in a vulnerable moment.
4. Real-world harm has happened.
There have been tragic cases where AI responded poorly to someone talking about suicide, and families have raised serious concerns about safety. This is why experts say AI must never replace real crisis support.
How to Use AI Safely
Think of it as a resource, not a therapist. It can give you ideas, reflection questions, or even comfort—but it can’t diagnose, treat, or handle emergencies.
Check what it tells you. If AI gives advice, treat it like something you’d double-check with a friend, a trusted source, or a professional.
Know your limits. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or having thoughts of hurting yourself, AI is not the right tool. Reach out to a trusted person or a trained professional.
Final Thoughts
AI can be a helpful tool in the toolbox for mental health—especially for stress management, daily check-ins, and learning new coping strategies. But it’s not a substitute for human care, connection, or professional support.
If you’re ever in crisis, please reach out directly to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) or your local emergency number. Your safety and wellbeing deserve human connection and care.
References (in plain-language)
RAND Corporation (2025): Found AI is inconsistent in responding to suicide-related messages.
Nature (2025): Study of 29 AI chatbots—none were fully adequate for crisis support.
Meta-analysis (2023): AI tools can reduce mild depression and distress.
Dartmouth (2024): Early trials of “Therabot” showed real symptom improvement.
I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.
“By far, the greatest danger of Artificial Intelligence is that people conclude too early that they understand it.” — Eliezer Yudkowsky
Helpful Numbers: I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Text crisis line... you can send a text to 741741 and just write HOME and someone will get right back to you. https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
