How technology cures depression

Depression is a mental illness that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. According to statistics published by World Health Organization (WHO), nearly two out of every ten adults suffer from some form of depression or anxiety disorder at least once during their lifetime. The WHO also estimates that around 300 million people living with depression currently fail to seek treatment due to various reasons such as stigma towards mental health problems in general and lack of access to treatment services. Let’s see below how technology cures depression.

Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, bringing updates on the happenings everywhere. It has changed the way we communicate with each other and even shared information. However, social media can be used for both good and bad purposes. While it brings connectivity, it can also bring isolation.

Music Therapy

How about using music therapy for treating patients who suffer from depression? Recent studies show that listening to music could help in reducing stress and cure depression. Patients suffering from major depressive disorders were involved in research where they were divided into 2 groups; group one listened to music regularly, while the second didn’t listen to anything at all. After three months, those who listened to music showed significant improvement in their symptoms. How does this work?

Meditation Apps

We live in a world which constantly buzzes around us. We are surrounded by thousands of messages which distract us from what we wanted to achieve. If you want to fight back against this distraction, meditation apps can be your best friend. These apps play soothing sounds while you sit quietly focusing only on your breathing. This helps keep distractions away.

Video Games

Video games have evolved a lot over the years and they provide great relief to patients suffering from depression. They not only entertain but also improve coordination and focus. Even the most difficult video games can be beneficial for curing depression.

Online Support Groups

Technology has made online support groups possible since the internet is a place where people gather to discuss different topics, including depression. All you need is a computer, internet connection and stable network service to join these support groups. There are loads of them available like MoodGYM, Talking Heads etc, you just need to find one suitable for you. You will get a chance to share your experiences, ask questions and talk to depressed people who understand what you’re going through.

Exercise

Exercise is another proven method to treat depression. The endorphins released during exercise trigger happiness which makes you feel better.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality provides a new dimension to the experience of playing video games. It takes gaming to a whole new level, providing users with an immersive feeling of virtual worlds.

Mobile Applications

Mobile applications are small programs designed to perform specific tasks on smartphones. Some of the benefits include remote control of lights, thermostats, locks, security systems, home appliances and more.

Neurofeedback Devices

Neurofeedback devices allow you to connect to your brain waves. It lets you know when your mind goes into deep relaxation or creative states. When you monitor your brain waves, you can control how relaxed your body feels.

Sleep Cycles

If the sleep patterns of an individual do not align with the circadian rhythm of the earth, then a sleeping disorder occurs. Circadian rhythms cause us to sleep and wake throughout the day as per the time zone. People living in eastern countries tend to wake up early and function later than the ones living in western countries. To overcome this problem, there are many sleep cycles which track the natural pattern of light and dark. Many such devices are now available to buy online.

Low-light Therapy

Light therapy is yet another effective way to treat depression. During low-light therapy, patients use special lighting instruments which imitate sunlight.

In conclusion, remember that if you suffer from any kind of depression, it does not mean that the treatment methods listed above don’t work. At times, even after trying all these treatments, you may still feel sad. That is why it is important to make sure that you consult a doctor before starting any treatment. Do not hesitate to seek help when you start experiencing symptoms of depression. Take care.