For many people over the past year and a half, the world has existed primarily through a screen.
This shift is especially critical, with a tremendous spike occurring in mental health conditions.
This increased reliance on technology to facilitate mental health care and support comes off as a permanent one.
The general public is also more receptive to technologys expanded role in mental health care.
In addition, wait times may reduce when people are no longer tied toseeing a therapistin their immediate area.
There wasnt a significant difference in participant satisfaction between the two options.
If youre attending digital sessions with a therapist, its easy to check their qualifications and reviews.
Thus, its very important to engage due diligence when considering the use of anymental health technology.
For some, the therapy office is the only safe place they have.
Torn explains that therapists who work for tech platforms can also suffer due to burnout and low pay.
Social media, in particular, has been shown to impact an individuals mental health negatively.
With that in mind, pay attention to how much time you spend online.
We are spending less time outside, and more time glued to our screens.
According to a 2018 study, changing your social media habits, in particular, canimprove your overall well-being.
Participants limited Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat use to 10 minutes a day per platform for three weeks.
Remember, its okay to turn your phone off.
Its okay to turn notifications off for news, apps, and emails, says McKinley.
Take opportunities to step outside, spend time with loved ones, and explore screen-free self-care activities.
Kaiser Family Foundation.The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use.
2018;37(10):751-768. doi:10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751
