5 Internet Resources to Improve Your Mental Health

As the topic of mental health becomes less and less taboo, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your own mental health.

12:04 16 June 2021

Especially if you’re not quite ready to take the leap and schedule a therapy session with a local mental health professional yet. Luckily, the internet is full of amazing resources that provide information, support, and even mental health services like online counseling. Below, check out our list of five different internet resources that you can access anytime if you’re interested in improving your mental health.

 

1. Mental health apps

 

There’s an app for just about everything nowadays, and mental health is no different. You can find meditation apps, mindfulness apps, and even apps that conduct Cognitive Behavior Therapy through artificial intelligence. There are also apps where you can track your mood and keep a journal with various prompts. There are even apps intended to help with specific mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Take some time to search through your app store and see which mental health apps are most appealing to you!

 

1. Diagnostic questionnaires

 

Gone are the days when it was necessary to see a doctor and take an official diagnostic assessment to have any idea of whether or not you are living with a certain disorder. Now, you can take a number of quizzes, questionnaires, and assessments online to see whether it’s possible you may be living with a mental health disorder. Take Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, for example. This site provides a free assessment which goes over obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, the amount of control you can exercise over these thoughts and behaviors, and the emotional effects of living with these symptoms. It can help you understand the main components of the disorder and how OCD may be affecting you personally. Although online assessments cannot take the place of an official diagnosis, they can give you a better idea of what you’re experiencing and how you can take action to improve any symptoms. There are assessments available online for just about every mental health disorder, so you’re sure to find one that’s helpful for your particular situation!

 

1. Online forums

 

Support groups offer a safe space to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with others who have been through similar experiences in life. They combat loneliness and isolation, and they can reduce distress, fatigue, and anxiety. And now support groups have moved to the internet, in the form of online forums. There are thousands of forums out there, concerning just about every mental health topic you can possibly think of. Whatever you’re experiencing, rest assured an online forum already exists that has to do with your current struggles. Some of these forums are led by mental health professionals, and others are simply made up of regular people who need a place to go for support and understanding. If you’ve ever felt alone or as if nobody could possibly understand what you’re going through, consider seeking out an online forum.

 

1. Educational materials

 

Educating yourself on mental health topics is a wonderful way to gain empathy for others and to more fully understand anything you’re going through yourself. And with such a wealth of information available at your fingertips anytime thanks to search engines, it’s simple and easy to learn about any topic you’re interested in. You can find scientific studies, research articles, personal stories of people who have experienced mental health issues, and so much more. 

 

1. Online counseling platforms

 

In recent years, online counseling platforms have gained a lot of traction and become quite popular. And studies have shown that online counseling conducted through live video sessions is just as effective as traditional face-to-face counseling. If you’re interested in speaking with a mental health professional, gaining insight into your own psyche, learning valuable life skills, and improving your relationships, be sure to check our various online counseling platforms to see whether they are right for you. Keep in mind that online counseling is typically more accessible, affordable, and customizable than traditional counseling!