Getting advice for mental health issues used to be challenging. You’d have to make an effort to consult with a doctor or therapist just to get your questions answered. However, with today’s advancements in technology and the advent of more available telemedicine options, you can improve your mental health in just a few steps with your smartphone or computer. Here’s a look at how tech and telemedicine features can help you get educated and get connected to help in a quicker, more efficient way.
The first step to getting ahold of your mental health issues is to become more knowledgeable about the problems you’re having. Whether you’re experiencing social anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another condition, there is help out there for you. That’s where a web search can sometimes come in handy. While you can always just pop your symptoms into a Google search, your best bet is to use apps or websites (like BetterHelp.com) to get immediate access to accurate and well-researched information. Doing research like this can help guide you in the right direction in terms of finding a correct diagnosis for your symptoms or in helping you learn of healthy coping skills you can try out. There are also apps you can use to get support from other people with similar diagnoses. For example, you can use support groups on Facebook to make connections with people dealing with the same issues as you. Additionally, there are other apps (like The Mighty) that can provide you with all the info you’ll need to get a handle on your mental illness issues.
Although using technology (including apps like Pacifica and Calm) can assist you in learning more about your mental health, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional if your symptoms are unmanageable. For most people, fitting in an appointment with a physician or a therapist can sound overwhelming (especially for folks that have busy schedules). That’s where telemedicine comes in. It works by allowing you to connect with licensed therapists (like through the TalkSpace site) without you ever having to leave your home. The two of you set up times to speak that are most convenient, and then conduct your sessions either through video or online chats. You can then get support whenever you need it. Telemedicine can also come into play if you decide going on medication is the right thing for you. Without having to schedule a bunch of appointments, you might be able to consult with a psychiatrist through online video chat. Therefore, using telemedicine can help save you a lot of time (and often money too).
In this day and age, you can’t really use any excuses to not get help for your mental health issues. There are many ways you can reach out, including counseling through telemedicine measures. Plus, when you’re on your own between sessions, you can research your condition, get support from fellow sufferers, and practice self-care with coping methods you learn through apps on your phone. Use technology to your advantage by putting yourself first and getting advice for your mental health issues today.
