In todayโs frenetic, fast-paced world, stress is a given. Our daily schedules are so packed full of work, school, family, health management, chores, errands and finding time for friends and appointments, itโs no wonder we feel overwhelmed.
Happy apps: Do digital mental health supports really work?
While we all know that managing mental health is a must, taking a little time for ourselves to catch our breath often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. If prioritizing an hour for yoga, a walk or a therapy session just isnโt possible right now, you might want to consider exploring a few digital mental health resource options instead.
Feeling better might just be as easy as firing up your smartphone. The electronic self-help landscape has grown exponentially in recent years with the advent of apps like Calm, Talkspace, BetterHelp and Happify. But how do they work, and are they really effective?
An app for everything
When time is tight, digital apps offer a number of advantages. First, the convenience factor. Theyโre always available, 24/7, allowing you to sign in whenever and wherever you want. Another plus: Itโs easy to maintain your privacy. No one even needs to know youโre using them.
Next steps
Like finding a good therapist, it might take a little trial and error to find the platform thatโs the best fit for you. Determining what your needs really are is a good place to start. Are you looking for an actual person or chat community to talk with, or just needing a little help falling asleep at night? Would you prefer a structured program, or a more freeform format to scroll through at your own pace?
Once youโve figured out what kind of support you need, do some online research for app recommendations making sure to read the reviews for positive and negative feedback. Some programs may offer a free trial to let you give them a test drive; others might require a full or discounted monthly subscription fee right off the bat. Itโs still an expense, but usually cheaper than in-person therapy, and without having to wade through the confusing channels of finding a provider who takes your insurance.
When an app isnโt enough
Keep in mind, thereโs a big difference between holistic wellness apps and actual digital therapeutics that connect you to a licensed mental health provider. Apps can only go so far. There may be instances in which in-person intervention or treatment is warranted.
If youโre feeling dangerously depressed, anxious, angry or suicidal and find yourself in need of more support than an app or online resource can provide, donโt try to self-diagnose. Instead, seek immediate help from your primary care provider, a hospital or stress center, or call a crisis line.
