Veteran and refugee collaborate on app for PTSD relief in Aarhus

A heightened state of alarm is a common experience for individuals with PTSD, especially in settings like concerts or movie theaters, where anxiety triggers physical reactions. Camilla Bøegh Erlang, a veteran diagnosed with PTSD after her deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, describes the constant vigilance required. “You focus on finding escape routes and assessing those around you, often ignoring your body’s signals that your stress levels are too high,” she explains.

To address this issue, Erlang and her partner, Abdul Rahman Hasan, a Syrian refugee, founded ‘Mental Assistant’ based in Aarhus. They are developing an app called ‘Mental Relief’ to help PTSD sufferers understand their bodily signals. “We want to assist them in reconnecting with themselves. When the body and mind are overwhelmed, it’s difficult for individuals to manage on their own,” Erlang states.

Hasan envisions ‘Mental Relief’ as a technological support system. The app will be installed on smartphones and smartwatches to monitor physiological parameters, such as heart rate. When elevated heart rates are detected, the smartwatch will alert the user with notifications until they address the situation. The app can guide users through breathing exercises to help regain control.

Although their backgrounds differ, both Erlang and Hasan draw on their personal experiences with trauma. Hasan fled Syria in 2015 and laments the childhood he lost to war. “I’ve experienced the struggles faced by those with PTSD and want to dedicate my energy to this cause,” he says.

Their partnership began at Aarhus University, where initial tensions arose due to Erlang’s triggers related to Hasan’s Middle Eastern background. However, as they got to know one another, perceptions shifted, and they grew a strong collaboration that led to the establishment of ‘Mental Assistant.’ They balance each other’s strengths; Erlang’s extroverted nature complements Hasan’s approach.

In February or March of next year, the duo plans to test a prototype of ‘Mental Relief’ with 15 participants from Veterans’ Home Aalborg, marking the next step in their venture. The release date for the app is yet to be announced.