In today’s world, technology is always with us. And as technology seeps into every aspect of our existence, it is changing how we live.
Even when “unplugging,” we’ve still got our voice assistants one word away (“Alexa!”) and our smartphones in our pockets. And while, for years, many people considered technology’s negative influence to be greater than the positive effects it can have on our lives, it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the positive effects of staying connected.
Now, technology is providing innovative opportunities to address mental health issues that we’ve never had before. Especially in the era of Covid-19: work out classes are broadcast to our living rooms and the list of home organization apps just keeps growing.
But in the age of self-isolation, mental wellness is as important, if not more important, as physical wellness.
The Time is Now
The arrival of coronavirus has pushed many companies to instruct workers to stay home. And, whether we like it or not, work from home is here to stay. In fact, some companies may never go back to offices.
And while that may seem like a “vacation” to some, working from home has its own set of challenges. And it’s important to acknowledge those challenges–and the impact they’re having on your mental health. It’s also crucial to recognize your needs, especially if seclusion has you pining for social interaction, or even to just get out of the house.
But the beauty of 2020 is:
Mental health issues can be addressed from home with a licensed professional at any time of the day.
On the go? No problem. In the boardroom, take a break! Even in the bathroom… though we wouldn’t recommend it!
Studies are extolling the virtues of VR in treating PTSD. Guided meditations can help you control daily anxiety. There are so many different ways to take advantage of technology to benefit our mental health that there are no more excuses for letting yourself slip… The whole telehealth industry is growing extraordinarily right now, and the result is better care for you.
Here are some ways you can join the tele-mental health revolution today!
Identifying the Right Method for You
Just like traditional mental health consultations (think: Freud’s couch), finding the right fit in mental health care is no small task. Each method has its own pros and cons. So, if the first solution you try doesn’t work for you, don’t quit on yourself!
There are so many telehealth resources out there. And during Covid-19, many things are available for free that were previously more expensive. For example:
Mental Health Apps
This may be the most robust set of services in the field of telehealth. There are self-management apps, skill-training apps, Illness and mood management apps, passive symptom tracking data collection, self-improvement apps (think CBT skills), and more. Here are some of our favorites:
- Headspace Plus is available to anyone who lost their jobs due to Covid-19
- And free sessions are available to health care workers and teachers
- Calm
- Meditation apps (of which there are many) help with anxiety and presence
- Betterhelp: Best for all around mental health support
- Therapists are available to talk, text or videoconference
- Mood Apps
- Can help you track your moods and their progression
- Initiatives like Project Baseline by Verily, though now closed, help clinicians track moods across the country and the world
- Apps to Help with Addiction
- There’s a huge selection to supplement AA courses here
But apps aren’t the only way to receive the benefits of telehealth…
Virtual Reality
- Exposure training through VR is already being tested on PTSD sufferers, with beneficial results. The burgeoning field is known as: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
- But if this is too much for you, you can always stick to…
Videoconferencing (Telemental health)
- Though you are using technology, you’re speaking directly to a health care provider in a session that’s somewhat similar to direct-to-patient care. This is perhaps the most similar to the old norms of traditional mental health care.
- At Sanctuary Centers, we have recently expanded our telemental health offerings to help people cope with covid-19, with everything from video consultations and phone conversations to
Internet-based support groups
- Have so many benefits, and support groups cater to almost everyone
- As the field is so young, it’s also a rich ecosystem for startups, with fledgling companies offering a range of valuable services that were previously unavailable in the field.
Technology has removed the traditional barriers to entry for mental health care… making many services available to you from the couch in your living room. And this added visibility is doing wonders for the destigmatizing of mental illness…but more on this later.
Some insurance providers are waiving copays for clients in search of mental health care! But don’t forget, just like traditional therapy, there are things to do to make sure you’re benefiting as much as possible from your consultation.
In many ways, there’s quite literally never been a better time to invest in yourself…
Of course, technology comes with its own setbacks. Let’s not forget how rates of depression are correlated to social media use, and the ill-fated exercises in comparison. But, like with anything, it has to be used effectively… and this is different for everyone. Listen to yourself, your body AND your mind, to figure out how you want to navigate coping with Covid-19.
It’s not going to be all smiles all the time. Therapy is an investment. And at the end of the day, investing in ourselves should bring us joy. Making mental wellness part of everyday life is important.
And it’s never been easier with the wave of telehealth options available today. Having trouble finding what’s right for you? Contact Sanctuary Centers or let me know in the comments and we will reach out.
