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Mental health concerns have become a growing issue in today’s world. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the world uncertain of their future and has created more mental health concerns than ever before. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), one out of every four adults in the United States needs mental health support, however only 13 percent are actually seeking treatment. Findings show that 78% of all Americans feel the COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge amount of stress in their lives. However, the good news is, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever for people to get the support and treatment that they need during these difficult times.
Social Media’s Impact
While social media can sometimes have a negative effect on peoples mental health, there are also many positive benefits when it comes to providing mental health information, including tools and strategies for people to improve their mental health. Researchers are able to share their research and data earlier than before. Social media platforms such as twitter, allows them to easily post new findings in real time. This allows collaborations with other researchers to grow their findings. Being able to release data and facts early also allows professionals to debunk the large amount of false information that circulates on social media.
Social media allows therapists to share more mental health advice to the general public while reaching a diverse audience. Professionals are able to create accounts specific to mental health. These accounts are a fun, easily accessible way that people can learn tips and strategies to improve mental health concerns they may have. People who typically couldn’t afford therapy sessions are now able to follow these accounts for free and learn ways to better their overall well-being. These mental wellness accounts also create a transparency on mental health issues and start conversations to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Mental Health Apps
As technology advances and everyone seems to now have a smartphone, mental health apps are becoming increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health apps aren’t a substitute for therapy, but they can be a great way for individuals to learn strategies to improve their mental wellness. Many of these apps are developed by professionals. There are so many mental health apps on the market that can help individuals learn meditation, sleep better, practice mindfulness, or relieve anxiety and stress. These apps can be a gateway for people to seek therapy or a way to enhance someone’s current treatment.
Online Therapy
Social isolation during the pandemic has changed the game, making it more difficult for people to seek treatment in a doctor’s office, while his isolation is also contributing to more mental health concerns such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported roughly 70% of the globe has adapted to using online therapy platforms as a way to maintain the mental health space while providing support to individuals who need it. Online therapy apps such as MyTherapist, will match you with a licensed professional that best suits your needs and mental health concerns. Online therapy has proven to be an incredibly effective tool for those to seek support and treatment.
Online therapy has a number of benefits when compared to traditional in-person therapy. Those who live in remote areas or have physical limitations that made it difficult to visit a doctor’s office are now able to seek therapy in their own home. Online therapy allows flexible scheduling and the lack of commuting to an office makes it more convenient for people to get treatment. Online therapy sessions tend to be more affordable making it accessible to those with low income who typically couldn’t afford traditional in-person therapy. Many people question the effectiveness of online therapy, however, research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, so it looks like it’s here to stay.
Conclusion
New trends and technological advances have made it easier for counselors and therapists to share invaluable information to people that need it. These advances have also made mental health tips and strategies, as well as therapy more accessible to a wide range of people. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, you’re not alone. Seek support online today to start improving your mental health.