Often, when we think of technology and mental health, we perhaps fall into the trap of how damaging it can be. How social media creates this unrealistic perfect picture of a life we don’t have or a body image that is just unrealistic. However, tech can also play its part in boosting mental health too.
In fact, you’ll find many professionals are using tech to aid people suffering from mental health problems these days. You’ll find that many of the big mental health clinics are recommending certain apps and keeping in touch with patients in different ways these days.
UKAT London Clinic, a mental health clinic London based, has previously written about just how much tech can improve mental health, while many other experts have recommended specific apps and pieces of kit.
So, if you’re struggling with your mental health, here are some great ways you can utilize technology to improve your mental health…
Use Online Support Communities.
There are so many online support groups around these days that can really help people when they’re feeling at their lowest. The power of human interaction is so important in boosting mental health, and you can get that in a few clicks these days.
Forums like Reddit have channels dedicated to mental health support. It’s the positive side of the internet we rarely get to see.
Meditation Apps
Meditation apps are good for providing users with some time to calm down, destress, and blow any negative thoughts away. There are hundreds out there these days, with the likes of Calm and Headspace being among the most popular.
You’ll find various different sessions of different lengths to utilize, all put together by professionals in the space. What’s more, there are plenty that are free to download, and you can practice with them anywhere, any time.
Mood Tracking Apps
Equally, mood-tracking apps are also useful to download. These allow you to enter your mood each day and allow you to identify trends. So, for example, you may feel your mood drifts into a darker place after a certain day at work where you have particular meetings, or perhaps even after you’ve seen a certain person.
That will help you make a note of the trigger points and, in turn, allow you to prepare or tackle certain problems head-on, which will allow you to feel more in control of your emotions, thoughts, and stress levels.
Wearable Health Technology
Wearable tech has been a complete game-changer for the industry, with the likes of the Apple Watch having a number of features that can aid mental health. They can monitor vital signs, as well as physical health, and people are then able to make adjustments to their lives to improve their health.
For example, you’ll be able to track your sleep patterns, which can have a huge impact on your mental health. If you’re noticing your sleep is being disrupted regularly, you can try to make changes to find a routine that will give you the sleep you need.
As technology continues to improve, we’re going to see more and more ways in which it can help people, both simply with the use of app downloads and in the professional sphere, whether it be video consultations or more efficient ways to track progress. It’s all positive steps during a period when more of us are suffering with our mental health than ever before.
