Everyone ought to make time to disconnect from our devices, but occasionally technology can be a beautiful tool Besides making use of our smartphones to chat with loved ones, check our email or to entertain – there are some more better ways to harness the power of our screens.
Around 19 percent of U.S. adults today are affected by some kind of mental illness – and that has triggered a surge of interest, research and development in mental health apps and online programs. Despite a warning by experts to not seek help solely online, a research suggest there is value in these types of programs, especially when used as a supplement to in-person therapy.Apps like Candy Crush and Angry Birds perhaps are mindless entertainment, but once in a while we need technology to be a little more, well, mindful. Here are a few online tools that can boost your mental health and your emotional well-being.
If you’re in immediate need of help to manage anxiety waiting a few days to talk to someone can feel like an eternity. Talkspace lets users to connect with licensed therapists anonymously in order to talk out what’s on their minds. You can choose from various payment plan options, from unlimited message therapy for $25 per week, to 30 minutes of live video therapy for $29. Both iOS and Android users can access this app.
Mood 24/7
If you’re looking to seek help regarding fluctuations of your emotions, this service is designed for you. This app enables you to monitor your moods and boost your mental health through a daily question sent via text message. The program uses technology licensed by Johns Hopkins University and provides you the option to share your progress with your family, friends and doctors.
MoodTune
If you’re a lover of gaming, then try this training tool developed by mental health experts. MoodTune employs task-based tricks to help manage depression and anxiety. It took 10 years of research to develop this tool. It encompass various tools to help you track and manage your condition.
PTSD Coach
If you’re seeking help to manage your stress and depression after trauma then this app is a must try. Created by the VA’s National Center for PTSD, this program contains useful information and exercises related to your problems. Some key features of the app are: a monitoring tool to track stress symptoms and links to hotlines and other resources for friends and family. The service is accessible on a desktop and on iOS and Android devices.
Personal Zen
Personal Zen is a fun app that takes therapy techniques and morphs them into an engaging game, apart from incorporating relaxing music. A player is prompted to trace the path of one cartoon character through the scenic grass. The game’s concept is built around a cognitive technique known as attention-bias modification training. According to NPR the motive behind building the app is to help users alleviate anxiety
Optimism
It’s a self-tracking tool, developed to help the user identify what elements impact their emotional and mental well-being. First of all the app helps identify patterns in health behaviors, and afterwards offers strategies based on those patterns. The ultimate aim is to help users self-identify specific mental health triggers. The free program is available on the web and for iPhones and iPads.
Crisis Text Line
It’s a 24-hour texting hotline that provides realtime emotional support for young adults. Founded by DoSomething.org contributors the program is designed to be a safe outlet for anyone to reach out to if they’re troubled with a mental health issue, whether it’s feeling depressed, bullied or anxious. It’s a completely confidential and free service run by crisis counselors. To reach the helpline, text START to 741741.
Lantern boost your mental health
Lantern is a subscription based service that offers daily sessions and one-on-one coaching. In this program a team of researchers, technologists and clinicians work to transform cognitive behavioral therapy techniques into simple exercises. First an initial self-assessment of a user is done and then a personalized plan is developed. In February 2015 this service is slated to extend their platform to include a program for eating disorders, Bloomberg reported. Lantern is available for a computer or mobile device.
Add Comment