"The Rise of Self-Therapy: Pros and Cons of Going Digital with Your Mental Health "

The Age of Self-Therapy: Advantages and Disadvantages of Going Online with Your Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing matters. Nowadays, people are focusing more on their mental wellbeing. One trend that is increasing is self-therapy. It refers to using websites or apps rather than going to see a therapist. With the internet and smartphones, doing so has never been simpler.

What is Self-Therapy?

Self-therapy is when an individual treats their own mental health. It may include reading, writing in a journal, or apps designed for therapy. Some individuals prefer it because it is personal and simple to do at home. There are plenty of apps nowadays for the purpose. 

Why Is Self-Therapy Becoming Popular?

The world is moving quickly. Most people are busier than ever. Some individuals cannot even afford therapy. Others just are not comfortable speaking with someone face-to-face. With technology, individuals can attempt to regulate their feelings at their own pace.

COVID-19 also had a large role to play. With lockdowns, visiting therapists in person was difficult. Therefore, people sought digital options.

Pros of Digital Self-Therapy

There are a number of positive aspects of online self-therapy. Some of them are described below:

1. Convenience

Online therapy can be accessed from home. You don't need to go somewhere or make an appointment. You can just open an app whenever you like.

2. Affordability

Conventional therapy can cost a lot of money. Apps are generally less expensive or even free. This is helpful to those who have a limited budget.

3. Privacy

Some individuals dislike expressing their feelings to other people. Programs allow them to work alone, which can be safer.

4. Options Galore

Many programs and internet aids exist. Some provide guided meditations. Others include mood monitoring or daily advice. You can experiment with various things and find out what works.

Drawbacks of Digital Self-Therapy

Self-therapy has advantages, but there are also a few issues.

1. No Substitute for Actual Therapy

Apps can't do the job of a real therapist. Certain mental conditions require professional intervention. An app may not suffice.

2. No Human Interaction

Conversing with an actual human being can make a huge difference. Apps leave you isolated. There's no one there to provide you direct support or listen attentively.

3. Risk of Misdiagnosis

The risk of misdiagnosing yourself is high.

Individuals may utilize apps and assume that they have a specific issue. However, they may be mistaken. It requires a trained therapist to make the correct diagnosis.

4. Motivation and Consistency

Easier to begin, yet difficult to continue. Without someone to watch over you, you may abandon the tools after a certain period.

Popular Self-Therapy Apps

Following are some popular apps individuals utilize:

Headspace

Calm

BetterHelp

Moodfit

Woebot

These apps perform various tasks such as meditation, mood tracking, journaling, or providing chat-based support. 

How to Select a Good App

Read reviews before getting an app. See whether it was made by mental health professionals. Free trials can assist you in determining whether it's good for you.

Tips for Using Self-Therapy Tools

Carve out time each day

Be honest with yourself

Don't be afraid to quit if it's not working

Keep track of your feelings and progress

Final Thoughts

Digital self-therapy is growing fast. It can help many people. But it’s not perfect. It’s a tool, not a total solution. For serious issues, it’s best to talk to a real therapist. Still, for many people, it’s a helpful start.