Relief for Stress and Anxiety: How Digital Technology Can Help
Stress and anxiety can result in a wide array of problems. What can you do when feeling stressed and anxious has become the new norm?
Of course, there are countless ideas to explore when it comes to seeking relief. Perhaps you’ve tried a few of them out. But is there anything new under the sun? Yes, there actually is a promising amount of research on the value of internet-delivered treatment.
Dubbed “e-health,” these modalities can offer a novel approach for your mental well-being. From wearables to apps to finding kindred spirits, your devices can do more than distract you.
Stress, Anxiety, and Technology in 2021
Before your inner critic goes off on you for feeling anxious, let’s lay out some reality… 2021-style.
This is a particularly turbulent time to be alive. Among many other things, your mind and body are trying to adjust to:
The daily fear of life during a global pandemic
Economic uncertainty
The upheaval of your daily routines and social life
Isolation
Civil unrest
Political strife
Not knowing when any of the above will ease
To be frank, if you are not feeling some degree of anxiety and stress, you’re not human!
Begin by accepting the reality of the situation so that you can focus on getting help. Of course, it makes sense to disconnect from tech to give your mind a break. But thanks to the rise of e-health, there is a growing number of reasons to reach for that phone.
Ways Digital Technology Can Help with Stress and Anxiety
Apps
Mental health apps are fast becoming an ideal complement to therapy. They can help you identify triggers, track moods, and nip problems in the bud. In a time of mitigation tactics, such apps can help fill the void created by social distancing. Plus, there are plenty of supplemental apps (e.g. meditation and breathing exercises) that help form a strong foundation of self-care.
Not all apps are created equal, though. So be sure to talk with a mental health professional if you have questions or concerns.
Support Groups
There has never been a better time than now to find like-minded souls online. The concept of support groups has long been a successful staple of counseling. In a group setting, you feel validated. You also have the opportunity to hear many different forms of input.
Thanks to modern technology, your phone or computer can link you up with people across the globe. No matter what time of day it is, there will be someone awake and willing to talk.
Wearables
At least 20 percent of Americans wear something like a smartwatch or FitBit. It’s a natural progression to use this tech trend to help people monitor their conditions, their needs, and their progress.
Someone struggling with anxiety attacks may benefit by wearing a device that measures an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Plus, this data can also be incredibly useful when a medical practitioner is trying to assess your condition.
Telehealth Makes Counseling Accessible
As I detailed in a previous post, online counseling is a proven form of e-health. Virtual therapy offers many benefits. They range from convenience to cost to privacy. Video chat sessions with your therapist just might be the most powerful use of digital technology to address the impact of anxiety and stress. It’s all about finding a balance between all those notifications and more productive use of your digital toys.
Each of us has already had to make many transitions from in-person to digital. This unexpected development might end up being a boon for anyone who chooses e-health. Just as schooling, work, and socializing feel normal when done via computer, why wouldn’t counseling? All it takes is a phone call to get started.
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If you'd like to know more about how our anxiety therapy can help you deal with stress and anxiety, please feel free to contact me.