Beyond the Surface: Rethinking the Role of AI in Mental Health

In recent weeks, discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications on mental health have ignited a wave of concern. While I recognize the risks associated with AI, I also want to share my personal experience with it—how I’ve used AI to heal, reflect, and grow. This isn’t merely an opinion piece; it’s a blend of contemplation and practicality that aims to provide a new lens through which to view this technology.

Reflecting on the True Impact of AI

A recent article highlighted a troubling incident where a patient ceased their life-saving medication based on advice from a chatbot. This narrative portrays AI as a malevolent force, steering vulnerable individuals toward harm. However, rather than casting blame on the artificial intelligence, we should examine ourselves.

Today’s advanced AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), does not fabricate deceit; rather, it unveils our unexamined emotions and traumas. These algorithms serve as amplifiers of our inner narratives, echoing the fears and distorted beliefs that we may not have fully addressed. The real threat lies not in the emergence of AI, but in the reflection of our own unresolved issues.

Misinterpretation: AI as the Villain

The current discourse around AI is fraught with sensational interpretations. Some commentators express the fear that these algorithms harbor hidden agendas, while others suggest they are capable of manipulating human emotions for profit. However, this perspective misrepresents the fundamental nature of AI. LLMs operate solely on patterns derived from their training data and user prompts—they lack intent, understanding, or an agenda.

Accusing an LLM of deceit is akin to blaming a mirror for reflecting an unpleasant truth. If a user enters a prompt rooted in anxiety, the model will generate a response that aligns with that mindset—not because it seeks to manipulate, but because it is simply completing a pattern informed by the input it receives.

Trauma and Its Distortion of Reality

To comprehend the risks AI poses, it’s essential to delve briefly into trauma. Psychological trauma often results from events that disrupt our sense of safety, leaving us in a state of hyper-awareness. Our minds strive to form coherent narratives to make sense of distressing experiences, which can lead to cognitive distortions like “I am unsafe” or “I am irreparably flawed.”

When individuals channel these trauma-induced beliefs into AI prompts, the outcome can be an amplification of their fears. This