If you bring up the terms “therapy” or “mental health” with someone who’s in their 60s or older, you might get met with a sideways glance. Baby Boomers and the generations before them used to consider mental illness a touchy, shameful subject. You can’t really blame them, since their parents often expected them to take a blasé, “tough it out” approach to mental health challenges. Those who couldn’t just fake their way through mental and emotional illness were often viewed as weak, strange, or even dangerous.
Thankfully, society’s effort to destigmatize mental health conversations has been largely successful. Nowadays, it’s rare to hear someone use antiquated, fear-driven terms to describe someone who’s struggling with mental illness. As topics of mental wellness and self-care become more mainstream, people are learning just how important mental health care is. The rise of online therapy is further revolutionizing mental health services and making them more accessible to all. Here’s how online support is turning therapy into a mainstream form of self-care.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is any activity that a person engages in with the goal of improving their own well-being in some way. Some popular self-care activities include regular exercise, therapeutic massages, hygienic activities, and social interactions. It’s important for people to engage in self-care to relieve stress, enjoy life, and maintain good overall wellness. People who don’t take time to care for themselves are more likely to experience chronic stress and burnout.
When many people think of the term “self-care,” they immediately envision a day at the spa or a relaxing bath. But self-care isn’t just about pampering your body physically. It also encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation. All of these different aspects of your being are closely connected. Therefore, one area can impact all the others for better or worse, depending on how much attention you give it.
Using Online Therapy as a Form of Self-Care
Online therapy is becoming a popular form of self-care because it delivers wonderful results. In the past, therapy was primarily reserved for the most serious mental illnesses. However, modern-day therapy is tailored to meet the everyday needs of the average person. It’s now seen as an effective form of self-care that can make common challenges easier to face and overcome.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by professional responsibilities, personal relationship difficulties, or unaddressed past traumas, try therapy. It’s one of the most important and effective forms of self-care you can engage in for the sake of your overall health. If you’re nervous because you’ve never talked to a therapist before, consider talking to someone who has. They can tell you what to expect and ease your concerns. You could also try scheduling a consultation with an online therapist to see if they’re a good fit before you commit to additional sessions.
Why Online Therapy Is Becoming More Mainstream
There are many reasons online therapy is becoming more mainstream. As more people try it, they realize how helpful it can be for teaching resilience, conflict resolution, and self-love. Online therapy removes many of the barriers that prevent people from trying in-person therapy. It’s highly suited to a fast-paced, digital world that values convenience and comfort. Here are a few more reasons online therapy continues to gain popularity and become more mainstream.
Convenience
In a world where you can instantly access almost anything with a touch or a click, in-person therapy can seem antiquated and inconvenient. Many people prefer not to fill their schedules with cumbersome in-person appointments that require them to drive across town. The online therapy revolution removes the need to commute to your mental health appointments. Now, you can talk with a therapist without setting foot outside of your home. The convenience of digital appointments is a big reason why online mental health support is becoming a normal part of the average self-care regimen.
Effectiveness
Many people who use therapy as a form of self-care see positive results in their overall health relatively quickly. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy in terms of improving quality of life and reducing depression. People are also more likely to stick with their mental health treatments longer when they attend remote sessions.
Ease of Access
Driving to therapy can be prohibitive for some people. If you have an unreliable vehicle, no vehicle at all, or have a physical disability, traveling for any reason can be challenging. Additionally, rural areas tend to have fewer mental health resources, and there may not be any therapists located within a reasonable distance. Online therapy obliterates all of these roadblocks and makes it incredibly easy for anyone, anywhere, to access the mental health services they need.
Privacy
Even though mental health is no longer the taboo topic it once was, many people still want to have discreet therapy sessions. If you don’t want your neighbor to know you’re receiving mental health care, driving to a therapist’s physical location can be anxiety-inducing. You never know who might see you pull into the parking lot or take a seat in the waiting room. Online therapy, on the other hand, is discreet by nature. It guards your privacy and allows you to receive self-care in the comfort of your own house without alerting any nosy neighbors.
Conclusion
Life inevitably comes with challenges and stressors, but you don’t have to become overwhelmed by them. Online therapy can give you the tools, techniques, and education you need to bounce back from difficulties and improve your overall wellness. If you’ve never seen a therapist, consider scheduling that first appointment today and adding online support to your regular self-care routine.
Published by HOLR Magazine.