Would you know if you were depressed, or would you find a way to explain away your symptoms? And, if you realized that something more serious than a blue mood was at play, would you reach out for help?

For most South Africans, the answer to these questions is ‘no’ – which is precisely why Barbara Ayissi was moved to create Puzzle of My Life, an online mental health service.

Barbara was part of the human resources team at a large multinational company when she realized the need for such a service. “We had recently implemented a wellness programme but, although access was free, takeup was very low,” Barbara explains.

Just why this should be the case wasn’t immediately apparent. After all, with one in four people suffering from mental illness, South Africans feel a definite need for connection. The problem, Barbara guessed, was that many were put off by the idea that people would know they had reached out. “There is a definite stigma around mental illness,” she points out.

Taking inspiration from online dating sites, Barbara realized the potential of online counselling; a service that would enable people to get the help they need while remaining discreet. After all, since we are accustomed to going online for whatever we need, it’s not a big stretch to seek a counsellor in cyberspace.

Barbara’s conviction of the need for this assistance grew stronger when she had her own experience of depression, and the counselling she received during this time made her understand that such conditions can be overcome – if only you reach out. “The reality is that you can achieve anything if your mind is healthy, but the caveat is also true – if you’re suffering from mental illness, you will find everything a struggle. That’s why it’s so important to get help, especially since the resources are readily available.”

Once she had recovered, Barbara was determined to make sure those resources were within reach for all South Africans. In 2016, she canvassed her ideas amongst counsellors. Although she was concerned that they would prefer the face-to-face context they were used to, she was galvanised by their enthusiasm. She tested the idea among potential clients too, and found that they were similarly responsive to the concept.

Puzzle of My Life was initially intended as a gateway; an introduction to counselling that helps people understand the process and make them feel more comfortable with asking for help. It has evolved since its first iteration, however: since security is obviously a key issue when dealing with an issue as sensitive as mental health, Barbara approached IBM to help her develop a Minimal Viable Product which ensures utter confidentiality.

The product now caters to corporate as well as individual clients. After signing on to the platform, corporate clients are asked to indicate their employer before being assigned a counsellor from those selected by the company. Individuals, on the other hand, are asked a series of questions so that Puzzle of My Life can match them to an appropriate candidate from its 200-strong team of social workers, counselling psychologists, registered counsellors and clinical psychologists.

From there, users are able to engage with their counsellors at their convenience, which means that the issue of flexibility is addressed, too. The addition of a USSD system means that users can also select the issue which most likely affects them, so that they can receive targeted, timeous information and advice regarding their condition. This is a way of providing much needed education about mental illness, while providing a means of engagement for those who do not have access to smart phones. If a counsellor feels that a client needs further assistance, they will provide a referral.

Barbara emphasizes that Puzzle of My Life is not intended as a replacement for face to face therapy; however, it is a useful tool for those ready to embark on the journey or who need the discreetness and flexibility that online therapy provides. “The big thing is to educate people so that they know there is nothing wrong with getting help – there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” she says.

Catherine Wijnberg, CEO of Fetola, a small business development company, notes that the service comes at a particularly pertinent time. “Having worked with thousands of businesses, I have seen the impact that Covid-19 is having on start-ups and the owners of established businesses as well. The fall-out is significant, and often results in depression and anxiety. I am very excited about the potential of this service to make a difference.”

Puzzle of My Life offers a range of packages and is offering free Covid-19 counselling during the pandemic. 

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Puzzle of My Life was a participant on the Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab.