It’s no secret that technology has rapidly expanded in the last several decades. From smartphones to social media to apps and more, this expansion has significantly changed the way we interact with other people, seek information, and engage with the world. While there may be downsides to technology, there are also many potential advantages, particularly when it comes to mental wellness. Here, we’ll explore some of the different ways technology can help improve your mental health and overall well-being.
- Access To A Wider Pool Of People With Shared Interests
Having people with whom you can connect and share experiences can be vital to your mental health. Not only does social interaction stave off feelings of loneliness, but it can help give you a sense of purpose. Shared interests may include activities like playing sports or hobbies such as volunteering. These activities can keep your mind stimulated and allow you to cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression more easily. However, finding people to participate in these pastimes with can be difficult, especially if you live in a small town or tend to be shy.
By joining different groups on social media and downloading various types of apps, you can find people who share your interests all from the convenience of your phone or laptop. Not only can this save you time and energy, but it can help ensure that you’re surrounding yourself with people who enjoy the same things as you. Those who struggle with social anxiety might find that technology allows them to connect with other people without becoming overwhelmed, helping them build and maintain friendships with greater ease.
- Easier To Stay Connected To Friends And Family
When life gets busy, it can be easy to become disconnected from the people you love and care for. However, technology offers a means of staying close and connected no matter where you are. You can keep up with your friends through their social media posts or FaceTime your family who lives across seas. With a quick text or phone call, you can catch up with people you haven’t spoken with in a while, ensuring you maintain the connections that are important to you.
Elderly individuals often face isolation, which can increase their risk of dementia and other health concerns. With technology, they can keep in regular contact with their loved ones even if they can’t see them in person.
- More Accessible Resources And Support
In the past, mental health support was only available in person, and extra resources were solely found in print form. Due to advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to find information on almost any topic—including mental health— by performing a web search. Instead of having to comb through different books and pamphlets until you find what you’re looking for, you can have a myriad of advice and tips right at your fingertips.
Online therapy is also an option now, allowing people to get the support they need without ever having to leave their homes. Speaking with a therapist virtually can give people an outlet for expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings while helping them cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Approaches like virtual reality therapy can serve as powerful mechanisms for healing, particularly for those who are struggling to leave their home due to phobias or other mental health concerns.
Conclusion
Technology has clear benefits for mental health, helping people stay connected to their loved ones, find support and treatment for their concerns, and interact with those who share their interests. While it’s important to avoid being overly reliant on technology, recognizing its ability to serve as a tool for increasing life satisfaction and overall wellness can be paramount. By integrating social media, apps, texting, phone calls, and other types of technology into your life, you can help yourself thrive in the areas that you’re needing extra support in.
Disclaimer: The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
