WhatsMyM3: A New Mental Health App

Nearing the end of 2012, all branches of the military are reporting record numbers of annual suicides among service members. Currently, 2012 has been the worst year for military suicides since the Department of Defense began tracking statistics in 2001. As of Nov. 11, 2012, the Pentagon has recorded 323 confirmed and reported suicide cases, surpassing the all-time high record of 310 in 2009. Out of the 323 cases, the Army accounted for 168, while the remainder consisted of 53 sailors, 56 airmen, and 46 Marines. These alarming statistics have prompted the DoD and other veteran's agencies, including VA, to launch programs and awareness campaigns targeting active duty service members and veterans.

“The issue of veteran’s health and mental health, particularly those returning from active duty is of critical importance,” said WhatsMyM3 Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gerald Hurowitz. “The epidemic of suicides and the surveyed prevalence of PTSD, depression and related mental health and addictive disorders underscores the fact that mental health conditions are the signature injuries of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.”

To address the need for mental health screening among the military community, the WhatsMyM3 application screens and tracks a service member’s health number, which is similar to numbers used to track cholesterol, heart disease or body mass index. With 29 questions and only taking approximately three minutes, the WhatsMyM3 screening is simple to complete and helps the user identify possible risks of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD.  

One of the unique features of this application is that the screen responses entered by an individual can be accessed by a designated health care professional if the user gives permission. This helps facilitate discussions between the patient and physician. Also, the patent has the ability to record progress on a bi-weekly basis, permitting their health care provider to gain insight into their mood, triggers, and possible side effects of medicine. The designated doctor may access a patient’s results and progress reports through a hard copy, fax or a secure online site. 

WhatsMyM3 is available for veterans and service members to download on iTunes for iPhone or iPad users, or Google Play for Android users. The pre-screening test can also be taken online at: http://www.whatsmym3.com. 

Photo: Screenshots of the WhatsMyM3 application.