In collaboration with Google, a team of Break Through Tech fellows took on a Challenge Project focused on mental health and wellness trends.
Published
08/12/2025
With Google and machine learning, Break Through Tech fellows uncovered how search data reflects real-time mental health trends and needs across communities.
When people are struggling with their mental health, one of the first places they often turn to is a search bar. Whether it’s looking up coping strategies, local resources, or simply trying to name what they’re feeling, online searches offer a window into the questions people are asking, and the help they’re hoping to find.
In collaboration with Google, a team of AI Fellows took on a Challenge Project focused on mental health and wellness trends. Their mission: use machine learning to analyze Google search trends and understand how interest in mental health topics evolves over time, across demographics, and in response to key moments or events.
“We saw this as an opportunity to transform raw search data into actionable insights that could really support people’s well-being,” said one AI Fellow.
Mining Meaning from Search Patterns
Using data from Google Trends, the team investigated how users engage with mental health and wellness topics, from “stress management” to “therapy near me.” They applied a combination of time series analysis, clustering algorithms, and sentiment analysis to identify emerging patterns.
This multilayered approach allowed Break Through Tech fellows to track seasonal shifts, regional differences, and demographic-specific trends. They also evaluated how public events, like World Mental Health Day or news cycles involving mental health impacted search behavior.
By integrating these methods, the team could assess not just what people were searching, but why, when, and how those searches might indicate broader societal trends.
From Data to Impact
The insights uncovered in the project have real-world implications. By understanding how interest in mental health topics varies over time and among different populations, Google can better tailor its platforms and resources, making it easier for users to find accurate, supportive, and timely information.
This project goes beyond analytics—it’s about being responsive to human needs in moments of vulnerability. Break Through Tech fellows showed how data can be used with empathy and purpose.
The team’s analysis can also inform the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns and highlight areas where more mental health resources may be needed, especially in underserved communities.
Empowering Future Leaders in AI
For the fellows, this Challenge Project was both technically rigorous and emotionally meaningful. They honed advanced skills in modeling, evaluated model performance, and communicated complex findings to stakeholders—all while working on a problem that affects millions.
“We learned that even small changes in search behavior can signal something much bigger,” one fellow reflected. “It was powerful to be part of a project that could help make mental health support more accessible.”
As with every Break Through Tech Challenge Project, the experience wasn’t just about technology and learning. It was about collaboration, creativity, building community and using AI to help build a more responsive digital world.
Do you want to be part of our mission? Learn more about Break Through Tech’s AI Studio and the Challenge Projects that are helping more than 300 companies build an early tech talent pipeline.