The Rise of Online Mental Healthcare

Mental health used to be a forbidden topic that people would talk about behind closed doors. Thankfully, in recent years the mainstream media has recognized that mental health problems are actually an illness like any other, so the stigma regarding talking about any issues has decreased hugely. People are now actively encouraged to talk about their problems and to seek help. 

The traditional way was to see a counselor, but like everything in life, the internet has taken over and it is now possible to seek help in many ways online. Here we are going to discuss the rise of online mental health care.

Use an app

With the rise of mobile phone technology, we have seen an enormous increase in the number of apps available and this is especially true in the mental health world. There are many types of apps, from those that ask you to take a course to understand stress and anxiety and how to deal with it, to others that help you when you have a panic or anxiety attack by offering immediate solutions. Some apps are all about changing your mindset and help you to see the positives in every situation rather than the negatives. Whatever your mental health issues there is an app for you, and the added beauty is that they are anonymous, so for those seeking help for the first time they can be a great way to help you ease yourself in. 

Join an online community

Joining an online community is a great way to help yourself if you have mental health problems because the community will be full of people who face the same issues. You will be able to talk frankly and freely about your experiences without the fear of being judged. People will give you helpful tips and advice and all of a sudden you will feel loved and your problems will not seem as great as you first thought as you find kindred spirits in exactly the same situation. There is literally a community or forum for every illness, so, if you are looking for a different way of seeking help, join an online community today.

Online therapy

Just 20 years ago, it would have been impossible to have seen a therapist or psychiatrist online, but how times have changed. Now, you have no reason to go and visit the offices of a therapist as you can do this online. There are many types of psychiatrists available, so click here to find out about the services they provide and how they can help you to overcome your illness. You can hide behind your anonymity if you wish, and as long as you use a reputable psychiatrist they will be regulated and licensed to provide the best possible advice. You can talk to them one to one over a webcam if you want the personal touch so there are options available for everyone depending on your circumstances. Give it a go as the results of talking to an online therapist can be enormous!

Social media

There are many types of social media these days, and they all have their certain niche for a particular demographic, but what they all can offer is a safe place to join like-minded people who wish to talk about their problems. Using social media can be a great way to write about the problems you have faced, in the manner of ‘getting it off your chest’ because writing can be an incredibly powerful tool to help you recover. The other important value of social media is in the name - it is social. Often people who have mental health issues retreat into their shells and can become virtual recluses, so by using social media you are always able to stay in touch with not only your family and friends but also any communities you have joined where you are able to discuss and share your issues. 

As we have learned, in recent years many online tools have sprung up to help you with your mental health issues. It is possible to use an app as a self-help tool to guide you through your illness or you can talk to a psychiatrist online, either anonymously or over a webcam for a more personal touch. There is an incredible number of forums and online communities you can join with like-minded people, so don’t delay, use the internet to help yourself overcome your illness.