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November 19, 2019

Technology Advances for Dealing with Stress



The World Health Organization reveals that around 300 million individuals around the world suffer from depression.  On the other hand, another 260 million people suffer from different types of anxiety disorders. 



In recent years, technological innovations have improved our professional and social lives in many different ways. However, it is often said that these technological advances have also added a certain degree of stress to our lives. The good news is that we can turn the tables on our stress and anxiety by using technology to our advantage. 

Stress relief technology is available these days in many different forms including social media, online games, apps, and much more. Mentioned below are some of the most noteworthy technological innovations for dealing with anxiety and stress.

Mobile Applications: It is often said these days that there is a mobile app for everything. This is also true for mental health care. Today, we have many top-class mobile apps designed to help individuals suffering from specific mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia. Some of these apps can be used to manage and assuage symptoms, track thoughts and moods, and help sufferers stick to a planned treatment methodology. We also have apps capable of helping individuals manage stress through mindfulness or medication, and improving their memory, thinking, and coping skills. Apps have also been created now for addiction, eating disorders, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Mental health apps provide us plenty of benefits, including anonymity, convenience, and a low price. However, experts suggest that these apps should never be used as a stand-in for professional treatment. It is also recommended to focus on apps that are based on evidence-based treatment. Also, before downloading these apps, it is also important to check the developer's credentials.

Video and Text Therapy: It is a well-known fact that there is a serious shortage of mental healthcare professionals in the United States. In this scenario, mobile therapy has emerged as a viable solution for patients that are not able to find anyone in their area. It is also a great option for individuals that don’t have the time or can’t afford in-person appointments. Also, some people prefer online therapy because of the stigma associated with certain types of mental conditions.

Some of these platforms connect users to therapists via video or voice through a phone or computer. There are also text-based options where they can send unlimited messages round the clock, for a flat monthly fee.

Virtual Reality Treatment: Some physicians are now treating PTSD using an advanced technique known as exposure therapy. This form of therapy takes place in a safe and controlled environment to provide relief to patients from trauma-related phenomena. The goal of exposure therapy is to prevent the triggering of anxiety and flashbacks by habituating the patients to memory. Virtual Reality has been tested successfully as a tool in clinical trials for exposure therapy. 

Some other researchers have also started using VR along with computer games to understand how borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients suffer from social rejection. This is a complicated mental condition where sufferers find it difficult to regulate emotions, develop a distorted sense of self, and are extremely susceptible to frequent mood swings.

Wearable Technology: Most of us are familiar these days with physical fitness tracking products such as Apple (News - Alert) Watch and FitBit. However, many of us may not be aware of the fact that there are similar products that can be used by individuals to relax via guided breathing exercises.

Some other technology-based solutions include retreats for mental health include specially designed online games, social media, online fitness programs, etc. So if you are looking for tech-based answers, be sure to get online and look around, the answers are out there.

            



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