Ah, technology. The thing that’s allowed us to put dog filters over our faces, gave us Mobile Legends, and introduced the art of mindless scrolling into our lives. Innovations in technology have essentially changed how we live our lives, but in recent years, it's started to get a bad rep, and for valid reasons.
Over the past 10 years, an increasing amount of research and evidence has pointed out how the overuse of technology can increase the likelihood of mental health issues. Sources like social media have been pointed as the cause of heightened rates of anxiety, depression and social withdrawal amongst youth, as issues such as doom-scrolling and tech addictions increase as well.
But with all the positive impacts that technology has given us, surely it can also combat the on-going mental health crisis. After all, there are always two sides to a story, so here are a few ways that modern innovations are helping to facilitate better mental health for everyone.
Access to help resources
One of the biggest advantages that we have today compared to our predecessors is that we now have the world at our fingertips, thanks to the invention of the Internet. This handy tool has brought about a revolutionary change in the way we live by granting everyone the ability to access information online, no matter the time or place.
Unsurprisingly, this new-found interconnectivity does come with its pros and cons, but rather than just focusing on its negativity, the Internet can help you manage your mental health if used correctly.
A good example is the many different avenues that people can turn to in order to seek help if they need it. These include online chat rooms, text based support systems, and virtual counselling that is managed by the government and various agencies dedicated to helping those who struggle with such challenges.
These online resources are readily accessible to all, which is great for those who don’t live near on-site clinics. Professionals are now also able to provide care more quickly at a much greater scope, allowing for a higher success rate when it comes to intervention and management of mental health.
In addition, those who feel like they’re at risk can also confidently seek help behind the anonymity of a screen, avoiding the stigma associated with anything related to this topic. When combined, these elements help remove many potential barriers that might prevent anyone who feels like they need assistance from getting it, and in turn, create a more conducive environment where individuals aren’t afraid to take action for the good of their own wellbeing.
Education
Another merit that comes with the widespread connectivity that technology offers, is access to a treasure trove of information online. Think about it this way: a brick and mortar library might only have room for a small section of books or material related to mental wellness. On the other hand, the vastness of the Internet means that you now have several libraries full of content to peruse at your disposal.
While you’ll still need to parse through the information yourself and discern fact from fiction, people have the opportunity to inform themselves on any topic they wish, and this includes mental health.
Why is this important you ask? Well, the first step in managing mental health is to first identify the signs, which you first need to learn about. By understanding what you’re going through, you’ll not only be able to reduce your uncertainty and fear, but also start to formulate a solution and act accordingly.
For instance, you’ve noticed that you’ve been feeling fatigue frequently or experiencing insomnia, which can be linked to high stress levels. You then decide to take steps to manage that stress better by working towards having a better work-life balance and exercising more; tips you picked up while researching stress management on a (certified) medical website such as HealthHub.
By keeping yourself informed, it’s much easier to pinpoint and resolve challenges in its early stages rather than letting them take root and snowball into something more severe.
Real-time monitoring
In addition, the development of technology has also led to the invention of personal devices. Yes, I’m talking about that brand new iPhone you have in your pocket and that Apple Watch you have strapped to your wrist.
In recent years, these devices have evolved from being simple communication tools into basically a Swiss Army Knife of cutting edge gadgetry that play multiple roles in your daily life. One such role is monitoring your health in real-time via using health apps like Health on iOS.
For example, Apple users have access to the Health app, which allows you to log and track your moods using the State of Mind function on your phone. You can also take a mental health self-assessment questionnaire on the Health app, which allows you to filter for specific requests such as an Anxiety Risk evaluation or a Depression Risk evaluation.
On the other hand, Android users can rely on Google Health, which possess similar functions that give users the option to self-assess on mental health conditions. Complimentary smart devices like Fitbits even go the extra mile by helping to measure your stress by reviewing your physical biological metrics and ping users with stress alerts, which makes it easier to manage your stress. It even offers simple breathing exercises and other mindfulness activities to help ground yourself in times of high stress.
Mental Health and Tech: Benefit or Burden?
Technology’s relationship with mental health has been somewhat troubling in recent years, with a plethora of research equating overuse poorer mental wellbeing. But while these facts have virtue, it only covers one side of the story.
Connectivity, which is the backbone of technology, has not only allowed people to better educate themselves on this topic, but also provides them with unlimited resources to help them better manage their own mental health. Couple that with smart devices that can offer personalised tracking and real-time monitoring of your state of mind, and technology has really improved the way users manage mental health conditions.
The truth is despite having some level of negative impact on mental health, it’s also true that technology has paved the way for more positive things, ultimately making it a double-edged sword of sorts. With this in mind, so long as you moderate your use of technology and utilise it well, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of this amazing tool.
