Entrevista PAT YEFERSON

Introduction to the Research on Depression and Anxiety in Peru

Purpose of the Interview

• The interview aims to understand personal experiences related to increasing levels of depression and anxiety in the Peruvian population.

• Rosa emphasizes that all responses are valuable, with no right or wrong answers, highlighting the importance of honesty during the conversation.

Confidentiality Assurance

• Participants are assured that their responses will remain confidential and anonymous, shared only within the internal research team.

Participant Background Information

Initial Interaction

• The participant introduces themselves as G.E.F. Ribera, a medical professional currently working on a nutrition project while traveling for work.

• They reside in San Juan de Miraflores, Lima, and express appreciation for discussing mental health issues like anxiety and stress.

Experiences with Stress and Anxiety

Onset of Symptoms

• The participant notes that they did not experience significant stress during university but began feeling it after entering the workforce. This shift led to increased anxiety related to job responsibilities.

Daily Routine Description

• A typical day involves waking up early, performing morning routines, conducting safety briefings at work, and managing project schedules while ensuring compliance with municipal requirements. Their workday often extends beyond regular hours due to project demands.

Triggers for Stress and Anxiety

Situational Factors

• Stress is primarily triggered by unexpected problems or urgent requests from superiors that require immediate attention, leading to concerns about quality and potential errors in work outputs. This urgency contributes significantly to feelings of anxiety.

Personal Impact of Stress

Emotional Consequences

• The participant describes stress as detrimental both professionally and personally; it leads to irritability in discussions with colleagues and feelings of being overwhelmed or unwell due to overthinking situations beyond their control. They acknowledge this can affect their behavior negatively towards others.

Coping Strategies

Current Approaches

• As the discussion progresses into coping mechanisms for managing stress or anxiety, further insights into what actions have been taken by the participant will be explored (not yet provided).

How to Manage Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace

Personal Strategies for Managing Stress

• The speaker discusses their approach to handling stress by stepping outside for fresh air, which helps clear their mind. They also mention buying candy as a way to calm down before returning to work.

• When asked about what specifically alleviates stress, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking deep breaths and momentarily distancing oneself from stressful situations.

• The act of leaving the office environment allows them to relax and think more clearly, ultimately improving decision-making upon return.

• The speaker notes that while taking breaks works well for them, trying to mentally control stress without physical action has not been effective.

• They highlight that stressful situations often arise during debates with colleagues who have differing viewpoints, leading to tension and anxiety within the team.

Impact of Stress on Work and Relationships

• The speaker explains how stress negatively affects communication with coworkers, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts that hinder project goals.

• In personal relationships, stress can lead to arguments with family members, causing emotional distance and breakdown in communication.

• They express concern over how unresolved tensions create an unhealthy environment both professionally and personally.

Recent Experiences with Stress

• The speaker recounts a recent incident where they lost their temper during a discussion about unmet work expectations due to external factors like weather conditions.

• After reflecting on this confrontation, they realized they had failed to listen properly before reacting out of frustration.

• Following the argument, they took time to calm down before approaching the colleague again for clarification on the situation.

Reflection on Reactions

• When prompted about their reaction during high-stress moments, the speaker acknowledges feeling overwhelmed by workplace pressures from superiors demanding results.

• They recognize that such pressures can lead individuals to react poorly under stress rather than addressing issues constructively.

• Ultimately, they emphasize the need for better communication strategies when dealing with stressful interactions at work.

How to Manage Stress and Anxiety?

The Role of Professional Support

• The speaker discusses the importance of communication with their boss, who provided recommendations on managing stress effectively.

• The conversation highlights how guidance from a superior can lead to better handling of stressful situations in the future.

• The speaker expresses a need for professional support to manage stress and anxiety more effectively.

Challenges in Seeking Help

• There is an acknowledgment that not all workplaces provide access to mental health professionals, which can hinder support.

• Time constraints are mentioned as a significant barrier to seeking professional help due to work commitments.

Personal Experiences with Mental Health Resources

• The speaker has not had the opportunity to seek professional help due to time limitations and lack of availability.

• They differentiate between advice from family members and insights from trained professionals, emphasizing the latter's effectiveness.

Digital Tools for Emotional Well-being

• The speaker admits they have not used any apps or online resources for emotional well-being, citing ignorance about available options.

• They mention using ChatGPT primarily for work-related inquiries rather than emotional support.

Perceptions of Therapy Accessibility

• Discussion around existing applications that assist with emotional regulation, highlighting potential benefits for users dealing with stress and anxiety.

• Concerns are raised regarding the high costs associated with therapy sessions, making them less accessible for individuals starting their careers.

Discussion on Emotional Support Apps

Accessibility and Time Constraints

• The cost of taxi services (30 soles) is deemed unaffordable, impacting individuals' ability to access professional help due to financial constraints.

• Participants express a lack of time for personal activities or family visits, which limits their capacity to seek professional services.

Importance of Trust in Professionals

• Trust in professionals is highlighted as a crucial factor when considering emotional support options.

Concept of Emotional Support Apps

• The idea of having an app that provides constant emotional support is introduced; the participant finds it intriguing but unfamiliar.

• Acknowledges that while professionals may not always be available, a human-like app could significantly aid those suffering from anxiety and stress.

Desired Features in Emotional Support Apps

• Participants desire apps that can ask questions and provide actionable strategies for managing anxiety and stress.

• They suggest incorporating features from popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp for better user engagement.

Inspiration from Other Applications

• Motivational videos or dialogues are suggested as valuable content for the app, emphasizing originality and engaging design.

Specialist Involvement

• The inclusion of specialists within the app's framework is considered beneficial by participants.

Essential Functions for Effective Use

Key Functionalities Required

• Essential functions include affordability (preferably free), ease of use, and efficiency in addressing users' needs.

User Experience Considerations

• A voice guide feature is proposed to enhance user interaction with the app, making it more accessible.

Pricing Perception

Value Assessment of Subscription Costs

• A monthly fee of 9.90 is viewed as attractive and accessible, especially given the widespread issue of anxiety among potential users.