5 Proven Ways Technology Can Help with Mental Health
Mental health is not something you can see with your eyes. But that doesn’t mean it’s invisible.
Millions of people live with mental health conditions, and many of them struggle to get the help they need. That’s because there still isn’t enough awareness about mental health and the resources available to those who need them.
But there are ways technology can help with mental health, like providing a safe space, connecting people who have similar experiences, and helping them learn how to manage their condition.
1. Virtual Activities
De-stressing in the digital world has its benefits. Online social interaction, face-to-face conversations with friends, and the like are all important for maintaining a healthy mental state.
Virtual activities may also come in the form of online exercise classes with a personal trainer, as exercise can provide benefits for your mental state.
But there’s another realm of virtuality that can get even more therapeutic than these activities—and it’s free to access: online education.
Want to learn how to make your own chocolate truffles or how to train your dog? There are dozens of classes available on sites like Udemy that make learning fun and affordable.
Thanks to online courses, you don’t have to be stuck at home feeling lonely when you want some intellectual stimulation. You can take a class outside of your home whenever you want!
2. Websites That Encourage Immediate Support
In a world where many struggle with the taboo of mental health, it can be difficult to find places of support.
One positive aspect of this technological age is that there are many resources available at your fingertips should you need them.
The following list includes some websites that provide immediate help, whether you’re suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another mental health condition:
- Thrive Wellbeing Centre
- Wise Mind Center, Dubai
- American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN), Abu Dhabi
- Maudsley Health, Abu Dhabi
- Al Soor Speciality Clinic, Sharjah
These sites can provide valuable information and services on how to handle mental health problems as well as where you can turn for additional assistance if necessary.
3. Mental Health Apps
Mobile apps have the potential to help us in many ways. They can help us stay healthy, learn about ourselves, and manage our relationships with others.
As mental health becomes increasingly talked about as a normal part of life, it makes sense that apps would be developed to help in this area too. There are many different types of mental health apps available.
Some are designed to be used together with professional healthcare services or treatment programs, while others offer a simple way for anyone to track the mood or feelings they experience regularly. Mental health apps do things like:
- Record your thoughts and feelings
- Track symptoms
- Monitor your mood and provide useful insights
- Provide support and advice in times of stress
- Help you deal with depression/anxiety/insomnia
4. Chatbots and Voice Assistants
There are a variety of different chatbots that can help with mental health, such as Woebot and Wysa. These bots help you stay in communication with other people who have similar issues.
They can help you learn more about your problems and find ways to cope with your issues. Chatbots are only part of the picture, though.
Voice assistants can also be helpful for mental health. There are even voice assistants that specifically target mental health issues like depression, insomnia, or anxiety.
5. E-therapy
E-therapy is a broad term for using technology to help mental health. E-therapy can include things like meditation apps, online support groups, and online therapy platforms (like BetterHelp).
Without getting too technical, e-therapy utilizes a variety of platforms to get help from experts. This could include text therapy or using an app that provides specific activities to take care of your mental health.
The goal of all these programs is to give you the tools you need to improve your own mental state without having to leave home or even put on pants.
One benefit of e-therapy is that it’s more accessible because you don’t have to go anywhere or make an appointment with a therapist. This means that if you need help at 3 am, it’s available right on your phone!
You can also get the help you need anonymously because most sessions take place through email or chat.
Plus, there are so many options out there—you can find something that works for your needs and budget!
There is a lot of stigma around mental health, and a lot of people feel like they can’t talk about it. Sometimes it’s hard to even know what to say.
Thankfully, technology can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health. Whether you’re seeking immediate support or other resources you need, it’s easier to ask for help with access to technology.