In response to the growing challenge of supporting mental well-being after natural disasters, the Medical University of South Carolina has launched Bounce Back Now (BBN), a free mobile application. This innovative tool is designed to aid individuals in their emotional recovery by offering resources such as mood monitoring, relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and guidance on sleep hygiene.
A study evaluating BBN's effectiveness indicated that adolescents using the app experienced significant reductions in symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This is particularly relevant as data from 2017-2019 showed approximately 23% of teenagers in urban school districts reported mental distress, including sleep problems, sadness, and hopelessness. Further research highlights that teens exposed to multiple climate-related disasters face a 15% higher risk of developing mental health issues.
BBN aims to address the accessibility gap in mental health support for disaster survivors, many of whom may not seek traditional forms of help. The app is available in both English and Spanish, broadening its reach. It also provides direct access to crisis counseling resources, including the Disaster Distress Helpline, ensuring immediate support is readily available.
The development of BBN was informed by extensive research, including trials with over 2,500 adults and teenagers affected by natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes. These studies, funded by the National Institutes of Health, validated the app's modules, which are based on best-practice strategies for mitigating post-disaster mental and behavioral health symptoms. Research indicates a substantial psychological toll from natural disasters, with nearly one-third of affected individuals potentially experiencing negative mental health consequences such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced 28 weather and climate disasters, resulting in at least $92.9 billion in costs.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that BBN users showed significantly greater reductions in depression, sleep difficulties, and PTSD symptoms compared to a control group, with these improvements sustained at 6 and 12-month follow-ups. While the per-user symptom reduction was modest, the app's high potential reach offers a significant opportunity for population-level impact in enhancing emotional resilience following adversity.