Mental health used to be a subject that most people would shrug off. But it has now become a widespread topic that many can talk about openly. Thanks to the internet and people that shed light on the subject to fight the stigma.

Nowadays, you could even see how people used search engines to check out mental health issues. Last year, Google searches for anxiety hit record-high. They have the data, and this could not have been done if not for the technological advancements. Now, let’s see what other developments in technology have become beneficial for mental well-being.

Smart Watches

When people hear smartwatches, they automatically think of an active lifestyle and sports. A significant part of their creation was dedicated to physical fitness. Exercise tools have crowded the smartwatch app stores. But developers didn’t forget that the core wellness of a person is within their mental well-being. The simplest form of this development is found in built-in apps for breathing. These on-device experiences guide people with breathing exercises to help them focus. It allows the users to literally get a breather.

This smartwatch feature is useful if you have to calm yourself. It’s also important to mention how these wearables are capable of getting vital signs. Smartwatches can use heart rate and blood pressure to indicate mental distress. Developers are working on ways to use these data for mental distress alerts. We can really say that watches have come a long way. Who would have thought that watches can now help with people’s mental well-being?

Mobile Phone and Apps

Mindfulness apps have become prominent in app stores. The surge of downloads for these kinds of apps was documented last year by Sensor Tower. The pandemic may have contributed to this figure. But this also gave people awareness that mental health can affect everyone. Hence, the surge in mindfulness apps downloads. These apps can range from simple breathing exercises to meditation. People can even allow these apps to track their mindfulness and store this data on their phones.

Speaking of mental health data, this information can be used for medical record keeping. Health services can analyze these records and store them in a safeguarded database. They have software that integrates behavioral health and mental care into a system. In this way, the mental health records that you opt to share can be accessed securely by mental health professionals if needed.

Streaming Services

Audio streaming platforms are not just for music and podcasts anymore. Curated playlists for mindfulness are now available to stream. Spotify and Apple Music even curate their own wellness playlists to emphasize their concerns on mental calmness. They have zen music, spoken poetry, and even guided meditations. Live radio streaming services are also doing their part. They offer various stations that feature calming music to help people relax.

These types of media are not limited to audio streaming platforms. The Path on Hulu and Headspace Guide to Meditation on Netflix are just some of these programs. They even have mindfulness shows that target kids. It’s good to know that these types of media are very accessible to any age group nowadays. It’s a big step in the right direction for TV programming and audio streaming.

Social Media

Social media platforms are notorious for their negative impact on mental health. However, there are spaces on the internet that are a haven for informative discussions about mental well-being. Despite the criticisms, social media still house a number of these spaces. There are forums where people can safely talk about their mental health issues. Some can even get advice from people who are in the same situation as theirs. Social media has even revolutionized the way we talk about sensitive topics.

A simple post can open doors and discussions that matter for many. You can go to Twitter and search for mental health-related topics. People have become more open to conversations. It’s one of those advantages we can somehow credit social media for.

These wouldn’t even happen if not for the right people who spread enlightening truths. They are dedicated to fighting the stigma via social media. There are medical professionals and behavioral health service workers you can connect with online. This platform can ease the burden of mental distress if used correctly.

Technological advancements have greatly benefited mental health over the past years. It’s a guarantee that more developments are still in progress. Getting help would be much easier in the future. People are going to feel more confident and less abashed about the matter. Mental health aids are going to be more accessible than ever. Technology can be used wisely if preferred.