Mental health is slowly becoming a major public concern thanks to increasing awareness and a dismantling of persistent myths. Conversations are now out in the open with an elevated level of discourse. There are more resources available for those who are suffering from these invisible ailments. Technology is being used to push the correct information to the people that need them. Tools come in many forms from online boards to mobile apps for anxiety. It may seem like an unlikely approach but it begins to make sense when you consider the benefits.
Accessibility
There are billions of handsets currently in use and an increasing portion of this are smartphones that can run various apps. This means anyone with an access to the Internet can potentially download the anxiety apps and start using them within minutes. It doesn’t matter where they are in the world or what circumstances they find themselves in. Help is always a click away. We also tend to carry our phones everywhere we go so they are ideal lifelines for people who are having difficulties.
Low Cost
Most of these are also free to download and use. Some may rely on advertising to generate revenue and stay sustainable. There is a very low barrier to the acquisition of the apps. Of course, it would be much better if people could go to a mental health specialist who they can talk to and get an accurate diagnosis. They can get personal counselling and treatment from an experienced professional. However, not everyone has the resources to do so. Mental health issues can take months or even longer to heal such that continuous professional treatment can break the bank.
Diverse Strategies
A lot of these apps were created thanks to the initiative of mental health organizations. The content has been screened by specialists to ensure truthfulness. They also work in different ways so people can choose those what they feel most comfortable with. Some offer breathing techniques as a way to manage stress. Others may teach mindfulness and positive psychology to combat the negative emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used by a few applications.
Ease of Use
Another great thing about these apps is that they are easy to use. Anyone can open them and start right away. Even people with no knowledge of psychology, meditation, or the like can immediately begin to do things that can help them or their loved one. There are step-by-step guides that can be followed to achieve the desired results. Of course, this kind of problem doesn’t go away in a snap. Constant vigilance is necessary to stay balanced and grounded.