The internet is definitely one of man’s best creations. There was a time when the internet did not exist and things were a lot slower than they are today. As the internet progressed, people began seeing two sides to the internet, the negative and the positive. It should also be known that there is a more positive side to the internet than a negative one. One positive thing about the internet is the superfast speed that it offers, such as Spectrum Internet which can allow you to download a movie in a matter of seconds.
Today we will be focusing more on the positive side of the internet and we will talk about how the internet also has a positive impact on your mental health and makes you feel better about yourself. Keep reading to find out how wholesome the internet can actually be:
Be Part of an Online Support Group
The best part about the internet is that if you are going through something, you don’t have to go through it alone. You can find lots of other people who might be going through something that is very similar to your situation. Mental illnesses usually have you feeling alone and isolated, which is why it is a good idea to associate with other people so that you could feel better about yourself. This is why using the internet is a great idea since it allows you to interact with other people and probably share your experiences with them.
The thing about the internet is that you would be surrounded by strangers, if you feel like you cannot open up to a close relative or friend, then it would be a great idea to vent out to someone online who is a stranger and is someone who is reliable too. The idea behind support groups is to give emotional support to each other and joining an online support group helps you achieve exactly that.
Easier Access to Mental Health Services
In the past, people had to commute to places so that they could get access to mental health services. This includes therapy and whatever else you can think of. However, the internet has made it fairly easier to access mental health services from the comfort of your house. This is also beneficial for people who live at a distance from places that give mental health services, for people who live in rural areas, and for people who earn relatively less for them to go and get the services that they need.
Now, all they need is an internet connection and they are sorted. People can now talk to therapists over the Internet and the medium of communication depends on the preference of the patient. You could either chat with your therapist or you could even have a therapy session over platforms such as Skype or Zoom. This makes it easier for people to receive the help that they need, without having to travel a lot.
Access to Numerous Tools and Apps to Help You Out
The internet has a lot of apps that could help you out if you are struggling with something. You can find apps that can distract you or even help you find some peace by helping you practice meditation and mindfulness. There are some apps out there that are dedicated to dealing with negative thoughts, toning down your anxiety, or dealing with anything else that might be bothering you. You should also keep in mind that just using the internet and various apps can’t really help you as a therapist would, so it is good to go to a therapist as well while you are using these apps and tools.
The Use of Social Media to Help Mental Health
Who knew that even social media could be used to help people who are going through mental health issues? People have created groups on platforms such as Facebook where people come together and they share their experiences, their thoughts, and their feelings and they also give emotional support and advice to each other. The best part about it is that people can also choose to post anonymously so that no one would know who they are and you would be more comfortable as you would post something.
Mostly, the people who end up in these groups are people who are dealing with problems such as anxiety, loneliness, and depression. So, it is always a smart idea to be a part of these groups so that you could be more expressive about your problems and you could find a way around them.
In Conclusion
The internet most certainly plays an important role in helping people with their mental health issues and a lot of people are doing better ever since they have incorporated the internet into their lives when it comes to dealing with mental health issues.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
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I'm Alice and I live with a dizzying assortment of invisible disabilities, including ADHD and fibromyalgia. I write to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental and chronic illnesses of all kinds.
