From dentistry to digital wellness, “Eix” is making mental health support more accessible in Thailand
‘The Future List 100’ project is where we annually recognise 100 inspirational individuals who are making positive contributions to Thailand.
Check out this link to see our e-magazine for The Future List 2024.
This week’s Friday Future List focuses once again on the issue of mental health, but today with more innovation in this topic. Dr. Kanpassorn Suriyasangpetch, known as Eix, is a former dentist turned tech entrepreneur who has impacted mental health support in Thailand. As the founder of Ooca, the country’s first mental wellness application, she has transformed how people access mental health services.
From Struggles to Solutions
Eix’s journey began with her own mental health struggles from a young age. The stress of medical studies and the male-dominated hierarchy at an army hospital further exacerbated her condition. Traditional therapy channels were difficult to navigate, inspiring her to create a more accessible solution. Thus, Ooca was born, offering users online video consultations with reputable psychologists and psychiatrists.
Eix’s journey is deeply rooted in her personal battles with mental health. From a young age, she experienced a pervasive sense of boredom and unease with life. She viewed suffering as an inevitable part of existence, something everyone must endure and eventually overcome. This perspective shaped her understanding of mental health, driving her to develop a solution that could help others navigate their own challenges.
Ooca’s Broader Impact
Many leading corporations in Thailand use the platform to prioritise their employees’ mental health. Recognizing that many Thai youngsters and teenagers face mental health risks but often lack the financial means for consultation, Eix launched the “Wall of Sharing” website. Here, donations of 470 baht provide one student with an online consultation session.
Since its launch in 2017, Ooca has received significant recognition. Dr. Kanpassorn won the 2017 World Summit Award, was named in the BBC 100 Women list in 2018, and received The People Award Top100 in 2022. She envisions Ooca becoming the most impactful mental wellness tech company in ASEAN by 2024 and beyond.
For Eix, passion alone is not enough to sustain her work; strong work ethics are equally important. She believes in pushing her limits, even on days when she is tired, bored, or overwhelmed by problems. Her dedication to mental health has made her part of a movement aiming to make mental health a common and accepted issue among all people.
Through Ooca, Eix has sparked conversations about mental health among ordinary people and professionals alike. Her work breaks down the barriers to mental health support, making it more accessible and less stigmatised.
If you are someone who is confused about the direction of your life and are ready to ‘open your heart and recharge your life,’ you can download the Ooca application and begin consulting with a psychiatrist or psychologist for free.
