Entrevista - Ashley Villanueva

Interview on Anxiety and Stress in Peru

Introduction to the Interview

• Juan Solis Aura introduces himself as the interviewer, part of a research group focused on addressing anxiety and stress within the Peruvian population.

• The purpose of the interview is to gather personal experiences related to anxiety and stress, emphasizing that all responses are valuable and there are no wrong answers.

• Assurance of confidentiality is provided, highlighting that information will be shared anonymously within the research team.

Participant Background

• The participant, Ashle Villanueva, is introduced; she is 24 years old and resides in San Juan de Miraflores.

Work and Stress Experience

• Ashle describes her current role as a student and professional in technology, noting an increase in stress due to work responsibilities.

• She mentions feeling more stressed during her studies, particularly with job-related pressures involving problem-solving in IT management.

Daily Routine Impacting Stress Levels

• Ashle discusses how daily commuting challenges (traffic, heat) contribute to her overall stress levels before reaching work.

• Her irregular sleep schedule affects her productivity; she sometimes wakes up early for work or stays up late studying.

Triggers of Anxiety

• The participant identifies workload overload as a significant source of anxiety, especially when dealing with multiple tasks simultaneously.

• She expresses concern about ongoing work issues even outside office hours, indicating a lack of separation between work and personal life.

Description of Anxiety Symptoms

• Ashle describes experiencing constant worry over both minor and major issues due to her high-stress environment at work.

• She notes that this persistent state leads to feelings of fatigue and mental exhaustion.

Managing Stress and Anxiety: Personal Insights

The Constant Mental Load

• The speaker describes a persistent parallel thought process, constantly evaluating problems and projects, indicating a high level of mental engagement.

Effects of Workload on Health

• Discusses the impact of heavy workloads leading to mental strain, resulting in health issues like headaches and insomnia. This constant state of alertness prevents proper rest.

Coping Mechanisms for Stress

• Engaging in personal activities such as playing a string instrument has been beneficial for relaxation, even if not practiced professionally.

• Other methods include exercising, listening to music, and playing video games as temporary distractions that help manage stress levels.

Social Support and Relaxation Techniques

• Talking with colleagues helps alleviate stress; informal relaxation techniques like breathing exercises are also mentioned as effective strategies.

Evaluating What Works in Stress Management

• The speaker reflects on their approach to managing stress through structured planning of activities while prioritizing recreation over work when possible.

Challenges in Implementing Strategies

• Acknowledges that some strategies have not worked effectively; for instance, playing an instrument sometimes leads to fatigue rather than relaxation.

Impact of Stress on Daily Life

Performance at Work and Studies

• The speaker notes that stress affects performance negatively by causing apathy towards work tasks, leading to longer problem-solving times and team difficulties.

Emotional Consequences

• Experiences frequent mood changes affecting relationships with family and partners due to the pressure from work and studies.

Recent Experiences with Stress

Triggers of Anxiety

• Traffic congestion is highlighted as a significant source of stress since moving to Lima two years ago.

Environmental Changes

• Describes the contrast between living conditions in their hometown versus Lima, emphasizing how environmental factors contribute to overall stress levels.

Commuting Strain

• Long commutes (up to four hours daily), combined with academic pressures, exacerbate feelings of anxiety due to lack of time for rest or personal care.

Stress Management Insights

Coping with Stress and Anxiety

• The speaker discusses their approach to managing stress by making daily routines more bearable, including journaling and engaging in recreational activities. They note that stress can lead to health issues such as hair loss and increased fatigue.

• The speaker reflects on future concerns related to their stress management, indicating a need for better strategies.

Seeking Help for Stress Management

• A question is posed about what the speaker feels they lack in managing their stress or anxiety effectively.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of consulting a medical professional for guidance before making decisions that could have long-term consequences. They also mention the need for ongoing support.

• Practical tools are suggested, such as mobile applications to help manage stress. The speaker considers emotional support options like pet therapy but expresses uncertainty about whether these would be beneficial or add more anxiety.

Professional Support Experiences

• When asked if they have sought professional help, the speaker admits they haven't yet but recognizes the necessity of consulting a psychologist or therapist to address initial concerns.

• They contemplate visiting a specialized clinic based on positive referrals from others, aiming to find effective solutions without letting stress hinder their progress.

Digital Tools for Emotional Management

• A question arises regarding the use of digital applications for emotional management.

• The speaker shares past experiences with various apps designed to help manage anxiety and organization but notes frustrations with ads and subscription models that detract from user experience.

Frustrations with Current Solutions

• In response to what frustrates them about existing solutions for managing stress, the speaker highlights intrusive advertisements in apps and insufficient information regarding how these tools can impact users' lives positively.

Emotional Support Apps: User Insights and Expectations

User Experience Challenges with Current Applications

• Users feel that the information provided by apps is often too generic and not aligned with their specific needs, leading to a sense of boredom and dissatisfaction.

• There is a perception that many applications do not function effectively, which contributes to user frustration. Even when some apps are helpful, negative aspects overshadow the positive experiences.

• A lack of precise tracking within applications makes it difficult for users to understand their progress or receive tailored recommendations, resulting in feelings of fatigue rather than support.

• Users express a desire for more personalized interactions within apps, feeling isolated without guidance or assistance from the app itself. This lack of connection diminishes trust in the application’s ability to address their issues.

The Need for Emotional Support Features

• Respondents indicate a strong interest in an app that provides constant emotional support to help regulate stress and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of personal interaction and tailored functionalities.

• An ideal app should foster trust through consistent engagement and provide daily check-ins or comments that make users feel supported and understood. This could enhance user retention and satisfaction.

Desired Features for Stress Management Apps

• Users suggest that effective features would include comforting messages based on individual profiles, as well as interactive exercises designed to alleviate anxiety or stress during challenging moments.

• The inclusion of personalized notifications or reminders can create a sense of presence within the app, making users feel continuously supported rather than abandoned after initial use. Immediate responses are crucial for building value in these interactions.

Essential Functions for App Adoption

• For an emotional support app to be widely used, it must incorporate intelligent systems capable of analyzing user profiles and responding appropriately based on this analysis. A friendly interface is also essential for enhancing user experience.

• Continuous availability (24/7) is highlighted as critical; users want reassurance that they can access help whenever needed without delays in response time from developers or automated systems.

Pricing Considerations for Emotional Support Apps

• A monthly fee of $9.90 is viewed as manageable by potential users; however, there are concerns regarding whether such pricing reflects adequate quality and benefits offered by the application—users worry about underwhelming service despite reasonable costs.

Competitive Pricing and User Needs

Discussion on Application Pricing and Features

• The speaker expresses that the proposed price for the application is competitive, especially if it meets the needs of various users. They believe that if implemented at a larger scale with efficient user engagement, they would not hesitate to use the application.

• There is a suggestion that initial trials could be offered for free to certain types of users. The speaker emphasizes the importance of including basic functionalities, such as 24/7 support from an agent, which they consider essential for user satisfaction.

• The speaker concludes by stating that if the minimum requirements are met at the proposed price, it reflects positively on the client’s offering. They express gratitude towards Ash and their team for their support and time during this discussion.