How PeakMind is tackling student mental health crises with AI

Mental health issues have become a major issue within the student community in recent years. A survey by the American College Health Association found that more than half of college students worldwide – about 57 percent – ​​reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety, while 34 percent experienced major depression that affected their daily lives. Similarly, a recent survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in India found that 12 to 13 percent of students suffer from psychological, emotional and behavioral problems.

As students deal with increased academic workloads, social expectations and personal growth, a new ally has emerged in their corner: artificial intelligence. Apps that focus on mental health are now using AI to provide psychological guidance to students. One such app is PeakMind.

PeakMind was founded in 2020 by four IITians – Neeraj Kumar, Sandeep Gautam, Manish Chowdhary and Parth Sharma – with the sole aim of helping students with their mental health issues using AI. Unlike others, PeakMind differentiates itself through its use of chatbots and virtual assistants, which provide a first point of contact for students seeking help. These AI-powered interfaces engage students in conversations and provide initial coping strategies tailored to individual needs. If further help is needed, the conversation switches to a therapist. This platform has helped 1.2 lakh students on a range of issues – constant worries, negative thinking, suicidal tendencies, stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, distractions, digital addictions etc.

Rambha (name changed), a student using PeakMind, shared her struggle with severe mood swings with the AI ​​chatbot. A counselor immediately contacted her and conducted a comprehensive wellness assessment. She was encouraged to take part in modules on stress, social, digital and emotional wellbeing in the app. Rambha also actively participated in app challenges aimed at creating positive habits such as better sleeping and eating patterns. In addition, she used tools such as the ‘ventilation room’ to relieve anxiety and stabilize her mood. This led to Rambha becoming more relaxed and calm.

The company has also developed several challenges focused on digital discipline, helping students build resilience against overuse of digital devices. They also have tools to track and reflect on device usage, helping individuals effectively manage their screen time.

“Our journey started with bootstrap financing, where the founders invested a significant portion of their own capital. As we progressed, angel investors and supportive network connections joined, sharing our vision and providing crucial financial support. Operating primarily in the B2B sector has allowed us to manage costs effectively, maintain a steady path towards break-even while refining our product-market fit. We are currently in active discussions about funding and have attracted promising interest from leading venture capital firms, signaling an exciting phase of growth and expansion ahead,” said Neeraj Kumar, Founder and CEO of PeakMind.

PeakMind has also collaborated with various educational organizations, specifically targeting candidates preparing for competitive exams such as NEET and JEE. It has collaborated with leading coaching institutions such as ALLEN, Aakash Institute, SriChaitanya and many others. PeakMind and similar AI-powered platforms are changing the way we address student mental health with new technology and forging new partnerships. Because we understand the importance of mental wellness in education, these initiatives have the power to make a big difference in the lives of many students.