Mental Health Goes Digital: How APIs are Helping to Improve Access and Support
Tags: python, productivity, codenewbie
Published: 2023-04-18 15:54:06

Welcome back! I know it's been a minute since I posted. Let's talk about the post I initially wanted to share before my last one. 

<img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/CiYImHHBivpAs/giphy.gif">

I know what you are thinking "What do you mean by actual post?". I'll tell you what I mean as I decided to give you the **double stuff** this week.

Without further ado, on to the good stuff: Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media platform, and wham! You stumble upon a post that captures and deeply resonates with you, and I mean deep-sea diving deep.

<img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/g9Hddm2Figgy2JXVu3/giphy.gif">

Maybe it's a story about someone overcoming anxiety or a tip for managing stress. Whatever it is, you're grateful for having the ability to connect with it and even appreciate the support it provides.

I have always wondered about the technology that makes these moments possible. But look no further, we now will enter the domain of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), our Dark Knight.

<img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/8clGlbB7go120LQfwB/giphy.gif">

These amazing tools are how we access and share information online, enabling us to connect with people and resources in ways we never thought possible.

From social media platforms to e-commerce sites, APIs are the backbone of many online services, allowing us to interact with websites and apps. But did you know that APIs are used in mental health, connecting individuals with resources and support when they need it most?

**APIs for tracking mental health**
There are APIs available for tracking mental health data such as mood, anxiety levels, and sleep patterns. These APIs allow individuals to monitor their mental health and share the data with healthcare professionals. 

Here are some examples:

**Moodscope:** 
Moodscope is an API that allows individuals to track their moods and receive insights and advice based on their mood data. The Moodscope API provides a simple REST API to access the Moodscope service. You can authenticate with the API using your Moodscope credentials, and then retrieve mood data. 

Here's an example of how to use the Moodscope API to retrieve mood data:

```
import requests
import json

url = 'https://moodscope.com/api/public/v2/login'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}
data = {'email': 'your_email', 'password': 'your_password'}

response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(data))
access_token = response.json()['access_token']

url = 'https://moodscope.com/api/public/v2/mood'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}'}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
mood_data = response.json()
```

**T2 Mood Tracker:** 
T2 Mood Tracker is an API that allows individuals to track their emotional and behavioral health. The T2 Mood Tracker API is a REST API that uses OAuth2 authentication to authenticate requests. 

You can retrieve anxiety data from the T2 Mood Tracker API by first authenticating with the API using your T2 Mood Tracker credentials, and then retrieving anxiety data. 

Here's an example of how to use the T2 Mood Tracker API to retrieve anxiety data:

```
import requests
import json

url = 'https://t2moodtracker.com/api/v1/anxiety'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}
data = {'username': 'your_username', 'password': 'your_password'}

response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(data))
access_token = response.json()['access_token']

url = 'https://t2moodtracker.com/api/v1/anxiety/entries'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}'}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
anxiety_data = response.json()
```

**Ginger.io:** 
Ginger.io is an API that allows individuals to track their mood, anxiety, and sleep patterns. The Ginger.io API uses OAuth2 authentication to authenticate requests. You can retrieve sleep data from the Ginger.io API by first authenticating with the API using your Ginger.io credentials, and then retrieving sleep data. 

Here's an example of how to use the Ginger.io API to retrieve sleep data:

```
import requests
import json

# Replace with your API credentials
username = 'your_username'
password = 'your_password'

# Authenticate with the API
url= 'https://api.ginger.io/oauth/token'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}
data = {'username': username, 'password': password, 'grant_type': 'password'}

response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(data))
access_token = response.json()['access_token']

# Use the API to retrieve sleep data
url = 'https://api.ginger.io/api/v2/sleep'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}'}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
sleep_data = response.json()
```

**APIs for accessing mental health resources**
There are APIs available that provide access to mental health resources such as therapy and counseling services. These APIs can help individuals connect with healthcare professionals and get the support they need. 
Here are some examples:

**BetterHelp:** 
BetterHelp is an API that allows individuals to connect with licensed therapists and counselors. The BetterHelp API uses OAuth2 authentication to authenticate requests. 

You can retrieve therapist data from the BetterHelp API by first authenticating with the API using your BetterHelp credentials, and then retrieving therapist data. 

Here's an example of how to use the BetterHelp API to retrieve therapist data:

```
import requests
import json

url = 'https://www.betterhelp.com/api/v1/login'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}
data = {'email': 'your_email', 'password': 'your_password'}

response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(data))
access_token = response.json()['data']['token']

url = 'https://www.betterhelp.com/api/v1/counselors'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}'}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
therapist_data = response.json()
```

**My thoughts on APIs for mental health education**
Several APIs provide mental health education resources, such as the National Institute of Mental Health's API. These resources can include articles, videos, and other educational materials. 

Here's an example of how to use the National Institute of Mental Health's API to retrieve information on depression:

```
import requests
import json

url = 'https://www.nimh.nih.gov/api/content/condition/depression'
headers = {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
depression_data = response.json()
```

What I get from all of this is the APIs mentioned above offer a solution for individuals interested in mental health support and resources. By using APIs, they can track mental health, connect with healthcare professionals, and even access educational materials. 

Lastly, APIs can be easily integrated into apps and websites, making mental health support more accessible than ever before. 

Now, you can breathe <img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/J4VVMzUcPQE0IbFE4z/giphy.gif">

Until next time!