Digital Mental Health Resources

The online world can both help and hinder our mental health. Down to its positive and negative effects, if you’re suffering from your mental health, it is important that you learn how to use digital platforms to their advantage.

From blogs and apps, to virtual communities and the capabilities to complete digitally-driven treatment services, there’s an enormous amount of support, accessible through a click of a button.

However, there are also digital platforms, such as social media sites which can also be dangers for someone suffering from the likes of depression or mood disorders.

Down to this, sieving through helpful digital mental health resources is recommended, which we’re here to help you with today at Step One Recovery.

Through this blog, we hope to share the benefits of digital resources, along with some prevalent online support systems, ready and waiting for you.

If you are struggling with your mental health and require greater guidance than online resources, please contact our team.

It is important to remember that if you’re struggling to find the support that you need on a digital level, tangible, in-person care is available throughout initial recovery and beyond.

Digital mental health resources are however beneficial for long-term maintenance, helping you manage your mental health from the comfort of your own home, to on the go.

Make use of digital mental health resources, correctly and safely with our guidance.

 

The benefits of digital mental health resources

There are many benefits of delving into digital mental health resources, with a large focus on accessibility.

Completing regular face to face counselling sessions can be time-consuming and can be difficult to maintain when life gets in the way. However, by using digital resources, you can access support and guidance as soon as you begin to struggle with your mental health.

In addition, being able to access mental health resources, through your phone or tablet can help reduce the length of time in between your side effects and your recovery state.

A further benefit of digitally-driven mental health resources is that there is a wide range available. Some will be suited for you, while others will not.

However, somewhere out there, you will have access to a resource which will help to uplift you, which will act as a positive coping strategy, and will connect you to others in a similar situation.

Ultimately, sourcing professional mental health support, on an initial basis will be advantageous. Here you can encounter treatment, specifically recommended for your mental health issues.

Moving on from here, digital mental health resources can then help you manage your symptoms, acting as a form of ongoing care.

With this in mind, if you are struggling significantly with your mental health, treatment will initially be encouraged.

Yet, digital resources can provide great value in a difficult moment, through a low period, or as an ongoing tool to maintain a positive mental health attitude.

 

Digital mental health resources to utilise

There is a wide range of online mental health resources available to you. Many will also be free which is a great benefit to make use of.

However, the value of each resource will depend on what works for you personally, along with your feelings at the time of use.

For example, a blog may not offer as much comfort when you’re experiencing mental health side effects, in comparison to a virtual community.

With this in mind, each resource has its own place, significantly benefiting those with mental health issues.

Informative websites
If you’re hoping to understand your mental health issues greater, recognise common signs and symptoms, or hope to source professional support, there are plenty of informative websites out there, by simply using digital search engines.

The NHS website, Mind, and condition-specific sites will have plenty of information for you to digest.

If you are however concerned that you’re suffering with your mental health, it is advised that you consider speaking to a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis, before attempting self-care tips.

Blogs/vlogs
Blogs/vlogs are highly useful resources to use if you’re looking for some motivation or inspiration. Many individuals now share their mental health struggles, online, across the likes of YouTube, WordPress and Instagram.

Not only is it a way for them to express themselves, but also a great way to help others.

By searching through blogs, there’s a high chance that you’ll come across one which will resonate with you, helping you understand and come to terms with your personal mental health.

You can even attempt a blog yourself, with the aim to support others within your mental health virtual community.

Apps
Across app stores, you will have access to a range of apps, all providing self-help tips, mindfulness sessions, general guidance and inspiration to tackle your mental health.

Some will carry a cost, while others will be free for access, providing you with ongoing support, positioned on your digital device.

It’s also important to remember that coping strategies are personal to you. If you cope best through physical activity, finding digital mental health resources, focusing on keeping active will be a beneficial choice.

It’s about keeping an open mind and considering a number of different digital avenues.

Virtual communities
In times of need, virtual communities can act as a safety blanket, as a support network, and as a listening ear. There’s a high chance that those around you will lack understanding of your mental health issues.

Yet, those within virtual communities will appreciate the struggles that you’re going through.

This is a great way to offload your struggles and also seek perspective through your mental health issues.

There are specific communities for a range of mental health conditions, for example, Bipolar UK which can provide you with reliable guidance. See virtual communities as a mental health online chat, similar to social networking sites.

Digital therapy sessions
Sometimes, it can be difficult to maintain face to face therapy sessions. This is the beauty of our online world, where treatment services, such as therapy can now be offered over digital platforms.

Through the likes of Zoom, counselling can be arranged, as can cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.

The benefit of digital sessions is that you can arrange one as soon as you’re beginning to feel low, and you can also encounter support from the comfort of your own home, acting as great emotional protection.

 

Work through mental health issues with professional guidance

There’s a significant amount of free mental health advice online which can benefit you. However, to truly overcome conditions such as depression and bipolar, professional guidance should firstly be encountered.

At Step One Recovery, we can help you with this by understanding your mental health, soon followed by treatment recommendations.

You can complete a range of treatments to aid the recovery of your mental health. From here, digital mental health resources can be utilised with ease, as you’ll have greater awareness around your triggers, your needs and your form of coping.

For further guidance on utilising digital resources, contact our team.

Alternatively, there’s a significant amount of high-quality information out there, ready for you to digest digitally.