Want to know how technology boosts mental health? Read our blog and find out 17 tech innovations that are creating breakthroughs in the mental health industry. 

At Globextra, innovative technology is what we think about and this is the reason for the blog. Technology sure has reshaped our lives and if you want to know about its breakthrough in the mental health sector, read this blog. 

How Technology Can Boost Mental Health – 17 Innovations To Know

Mental Health- a condition that is the most neglected aspect of our modern society and which needs our immediate attention if we want to live a harmonious life. Alas! The truth is far from reality; with mental conditions on the rise and hope seeming distant. Thus, tech innovation was born to help us change the way we see people with mental conditions. So, read on and find out how technology can boost mental health through 17 impactful ways.

1. Mental Health: The Term Explained

Before we see how technology is helping  to boost the mental health industry it is important to understand what can be termed as mental health. Let us see this below along with how technology is helping in this aspect.

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave and directly influences our daily lives, relationships, and decision-making abilities. Technology and its innovations plays a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and offering digital support for those in need. 

2. Importance Of Mental Health & The Tech Innovations That Are Helping Medical Practitioners To Boost Mental Health

Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. Poor mental health can lead to physical health problems, difficulty in maintaining relationships, and reduced productivity. Thus, when not diagnosed at an early stage can harm our way of living. Thankfully, early detection is now possible with the advancements in technology and digital solutions apps, AI, and teletherapy have expanded access to mental health care. They help patients be more mindful, ready to undergo therapy and track their mental health. These apps in turn are helping doctors diagnose their patients better by understanding the root cause and their history.   

3. The Causes For Mental Health Is An Important Aspect To Know & The Tech Innovations In This Regards

There is a saying that “Smoke cannot be created without fire” and the same can be said about mental health. So, let us discuss the causes or reasons for mental health.

• Biological factors 

• Genetics: Family history of mental health issues
• Brain chemistry: Chemical imbalances in the brain
• Physical health: Chronic medical conditions, traumatic brain injury, or prenatal exposure to substances

• Psychological factors 

• Personality: Perfectionism or low self-esteem
• Addictions, perception, and mental health diagnoses

• Social factors

• Relationships: Social isolation, domestic violence, or relationship breakdown 
• Family: Childhood abuse or neglect, or living with a loved one who has died 
• Culture: Socioeconomic status, exposure to poverty, or living in a war zone 
• Work: Financial problems, unemployment, or job insecurity 

• Other factors 
• Lifestyle: Diet, physical activity, and substance use
• Macroeconomic conditions: Economic downturns, agricultural crises, or sociopolitical crises

Mental illness can begin at any age, and there is no single cause that can be attributed as it can be temporary or long-lasting. Also, a person can have more than one mental health disorder at the same time. Wearables and AI tools are helping to analyze physical and mental health data by identifying early signs and offering timely interventions. Thus, boosting mental health.

4. Want To Know About The Categories Of Mental Health & The Tech Innovation That You Can Leverage?

Let us learn about some categories of mental conditions and how technology is helping in this regard.

1. Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD)
2. Bullying and Physical Violence in Schools
3. Co-Occurring Disorders
4. Eating Disorders/Body Image
5. Mood Disorders (Depression)bipolar disorder
6. Psychosis and Schizophrenia

We will discuss them in detail as we progress into the blog. Technologies like AI and machine learning are now used to detect and manage these mental illnesses through personalized care plans while ensuring complete privacy.

5. Some Early Signs To Watch Out For And The Tech Innovation That Can Help Detect Any Mental Health Condition At The Natal(Starting)Stage?

A person who suffers from a mental condition often gives signs. Unfortunately, we take it as a temporary phrase and notice when it has reached a crucial stage. So, what are the signs that can help us identify a person suffering from mental illness? Let us learn about them in this section and also see how we can leverage technology. Some signs to watch out for are mentioned below. 

• Mood changes: Feeling sad, irritable, or having extreme mood swings 
• Sleep changes: Insomnia(lack of sleep) or Hypersomnia(ability to stay awake in spite of proper sleep)
• Withdrawal: Losing interest in things you used to enjoy like meeting friends, watching movies, reading, songs, etc. 
• Changes in thinking: Having trouble concentrating, or having illogical thoughts 
• Changes in behavior: Acting in a way that is unusual or sudden outbursts(in the form of crying or yelling)
• Changes in appetite: Eating more or less than usual, or at times showing a sudden inclination towards food chains that were a put-off( bending more towards sour, sweet, or spicy). Can also be a sudden liking for fast foods. 
• Suicidal thoughts: Having thoughts of hurting yourself. 
• Substance use: Using alcohol or drugs 
• Physical symptoms: Having unexplained aches and pains, stomach pain, back pain, or headaches 
• Feeling disconnected: Having a sense of unreality or feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings 

Role of technology: Mental health apps offer real-time mood tracking by helping users and professionals identify the pattern so the right treatment can be suggested. 

6. Want To Know Some Trigger Signs When It Comes To Mental Health & The Tech Innovation?

A trigger or a warning sign shown by a person who suffers from a mental health condition should not be neglected. On the contrary, it should be taken as an alarm that help is needed. Having said this let us see some signs and how we can use technology to help us. 

• Increased sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch.
• Apathy: Loss of initiative or desire to participate in activities.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real. 
• Delusions: Strange thoughts or beliefs about personal powers.
• Increased Anger: Easily getting agitated without any reason
• Fatigue: Getting tired very easily

Role of technology: AI-driven tools like mood trackers and predictive analytics help doctors identify patterns and alert their patients before the situation becomes worse.

7. Want To Know The Most Difficult Mental Disorder And The Tech Innovation That Can Help These Patients To Boost Mental Health?

So far we have discussed some common mental illnesses and how technology has been a path-breaker. In this section, we will be talking about the most difficult mental health condition that has been the main concern for medical practitioners and technology is a blessing. 

Borderline personality disorder (BPD): This mental condition has long been believed to be a disorder that produces the most intense emotional pain and distress in those who have this condition. Studies have shown that borderline patients experience chronic and significant emotional suffering and mental agony. This condition tops the list. 

What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?

There isn’t a definitive cause that can trigger BPD. In many cases, it’s a combination of several factors.

Causes behind Borderline Personality Disorder

Genetics, Dysfunctional Brain Chemicals, and Childhood Trauma are some causes that have been identified

What Are the Common Symptoms of BPD?

1. Fear of Abandonment
2. Distorted Self-Image
3. Dangerous Impulsive Behavior
4. Disassociation
5. Self-Harm
6. Recurring Suicidal Thoughts
7. Emptiness
8. Paranoia
9. Anger Management Issues

Why Is BPD Hard to Live With?

1. Psychiatric Stigma
2. Fear of the Unknown
3. Inconsistent Recovery

Why is this condition Difficult to Diagnose

The symptoms often overlap with other mental health conditions, making it difficult for professionals to diagnose and treat.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): This uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to manage your emotions, handle distress, and understand relationships better.

Role of technology: Telehealth application has shown amazing results in curing people suffering from BPD- making it the ultimate choice. 

8. How To Show Your Caring Side To A Person Suffering From Mental Health Condition & The Tech Innovation Used To Help These Patients?

Mental health sufferers are known to show resentment towards people and trust issue is the prime reason. So, how can you lend a helping hand and show you care? This is what we will be learning about in this section through some pathbreaking tech innovations.

• Provide an open and non-judgmental space with no distractions.
• Let them share as much or as little as they want to
• Try not to make assumptions about what is wrong
• Never suggest a solution unless you are trained. 
• Use open-ended questions 
• Show empathy and not sympathy.
• Listen carefully when they are confiding in you.
• Let them know that support is available and you are with them whenever they need you. 
• Use sentences like: I am sorry that you had to go through it, This can be difficult to cope with, etc sentences that show care and understanding.
• Be patient as they might take time to open up. 

Role of technology: Applications like Moodfit, Wysa, Talkspace(Indian applications), Finch, Calm, etc are some applications that can be used to access and overcome mental health concerns.  

9. Want To Know How You Can Take Care Of Your Mental Well-Being & Some Tech Innovations That Will Help You In The Journey & Boost Your Mental Health?

We take care of our physical fitness and mental health is often neglected. This is surely not advised as taking care of mental health is equally important. So, how can we care for our mental health and what apps can we trust is what we will discover in this section. 

Meditation, Yoga, laughter, the right food, excluding aerated drinks and sodas, including water intake, 7-8 hours of sleep, doing things that you enjoy, listening to your body, trusting your aura, connecting with Nature, seeking professional help when necessary, etc are some ways to combat mental conditions. Also, having a reliable support system is advised. 

Role of technology to help you overcome mental condition: Apps like Moodpath, My Possible Self, MoodTools, iBreathe, etc are some applications that are highly recommended. 

10. Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health Conditions & The Tech Innovation That Can  Help Us

The term Stigma in this context refers to any negative attitude, beliefs, or any cause that can make a person think that they will be judged or discriminated for being vocal to their mental needs. 

Mental health should be the Top Priority and we should encourage people to seek professional help when needed. Join a support group or build your own, have a group of trusted people with whom you can speak your mind, etc are some ways to help you overcome the stigmas attached to mental health.

Role of technology to curb mental stigma: With the advancements made in aspects like Virtual Reality(VR), Virtual assistants, Digital mental health tools, etc you get instant solutions and support. 

11. What Are The Five(5) Pillars Of Mental Health & The Undeniable Tech Innovation That Is A Game-Changer

Just like pillars are what prevent a building from falling similar is the case with mental health. There are 5 pillars or key focus areas that we should know. We will also discuss how technology helps us in this aspect in this section.

• Physical Activity – Apps like Step Counter, GoogleFit, Fitify, etc help you to track physical health that is prime to being healthy on the mental front
• Nutrition – MyFitnessPal, HealthifyMe, AI Nutrition Coach, Foodvisor, etc will help you ensure that you are eating at the right time, keep track of your calories, and guide you on having a balanced meal. 
• Sleep – Sleep Ninja, Pillow, Sleep as Android, SleepScore, Sleep Tracker, Shuteye, etc are some erstwhile apps that will help you sleep like a baby. 
• Stress Management – Try guided breathing exercises on mental health apps. Breathe2Relax, The Mindfulness App, Breethe, Daily Yoga, etc applications will help you to manage stress levels and stay calm. 
• Social Connection – Stay connected using mental health support groups online. You can choose from apps like: notOK, Sanvello, Sayhey, Talkspace, etc are some noteworthy applications to help you calm your nerves. 

We hope that you will use and benefit from these applications. Do reach out to us for any questions or if you just want a friend who will listen to you without judging. 

12. Want To Know How To Handle Mental Health At Work & The Tech Innovation That You Can Use?

Let us see how we can maintain our mental health at work and what applications will prove handy in this section.

• Talk to your manager if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. 
• Be open about your needs and discuss potential adjustments to your workload or schedule. 
• Take regular breaks throughout the day to de-stress. 
• Set boundaries between work and personal life. 
• Manage your workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and ask for help when necessary. 
• Communicate clearly with colleagues to avoid misunderstandings. 
• Take a day off when not well or you need rest.
• Drink adequate water
• Don’t overburden yourself with work. 

Which applications can help you to maintain positive mental health at work? 

Calm, Headspace, Happify, Sanvello, and Talkspace are some apps that help to maintain positive mental health when at work by providing guided meditations, exercises that help to be more focused, breathing techniques, and tools to manage stress and anxiety. These in turn allow users to take breaks and practice self-care throughout the work-hours. 

13. Considering The Negative Aspects Of Mental Health That Should Be Considered & The Tech Breakthrough That Will Prove Beneficial

In this section, we will talk about the side effects of mental health and how technology can be used to help us. 

Effect on Individuals: Strained relationships, Difficulty in doing day-to-day tasks, Suicidal thoughts, Low self-esteem, high-stress levels, etc are some effects that are worth knowing. 

MoodFit, Shine, YourDOST, Finch, MindDoc, etc are some apps that help an individual to cope with mental health conditions.

Effect On Society: Increase in poverty, homelessness, increase in healthcare costs, crime, suicide, etc are some ill-effects on society. 

Apps like MindShift CBT, Circles Up, Moodfit, and Moodkit are some applications that have earned a spot for themselves, 

14. Other Mental Health Conditions That Need To Be Known & The Tech Innovation Has Been The Guiding Light 

We have already spoken about the most difficult mental health condition and in this section, we will talk about some other mental health issues that deserve equal mention along with the role of technology.

Depression, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(OCD), Panic disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, Eating Disorders, Dissociative disorders (also known as dissociative episodes) can be described as involuntary escapes from reality, Generalised anxiety disorder(GAD), Dementia, Specific phobia

Specific phobia- an anxiety disorder that is characterized by an extreme, unreasonable, and irrational fear associated with a specific object, situation, or concept. which poses little or no actual danger. 

Digital therapy, AI, and wearables are used for symptom management in these cases. Technology offers support through teletherapy and AI-based interventions.

15. Common Mental Health Issues & How Technology Can Help Us Combat Them?

Let us see some common mental health conditions and how we can use technology to overcome them. 

Depression, Eating disorders, Stress, Anxiety, Delusions, Dementia, etc are some conditions that have been identified as common mental health conditions. 

Tech solutions like telehealth, AI-based counseling, and therapy apps have proved to be beneficial in this aspect. 

16. Some Amazing Tech Innovations That Have Carved A Niche In Treating Mental Health Conditions

We are nearing the end of this blog and hope that you find it useful to cope with mental health. Remember help is always available and you just need to make an initiative. Having said this, let us see some path-breaking technologies and how they are helping to diagnose & identify mental health conditions.

• AI Chatbots: They offer 24/7 support for anxiety and depression.

MUST READ I CHATBOTS- 21 FUN FACTS TO KNOW I 

• Robot Therapy: Helps patients with social anxiety.
• Clinical Decision-Making: AI assists professionals in diagnosis and treatment. They also help to design a suitable plan that will not only help in faster recovery but at the same time ensure that the condition doesn’t relapse.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailors care based on individual data and makes it more personalized.
• Predictive Analytics: Identifies suicide risks and behavioral patterns.
• Wearables and Mobile Apps: Track sleep, physical activity, and mood.
• Stress and Anxiety Management: Provides guided meditations and breathing exercises.

Role of technology: Wearables and mobile apps collect data on physical activity, sleep patterns, and mood changes, providing insights into treatment effectiveness. Personalized AI-driven programs offer stress reduction techniques, including meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness training, etc are some ways how technology has become a game-changer. 

17. Some Useful Tips To Overcome Mental Health Conditions & The Game Changing Technology Innovation That Is Used To Boost Mental Health

This is the last segment in the blog and we always encourage questions. We are here to help you with every step you take towards a better & brighter tomorrow. Let us get to know some useful tips and see the tech innovations that can help us in this aspect.

• Exercise regularly
• Make sleep a priority
• Set goals
• Identify priorities
• Practice the art of being grateful
• Stay connected with loved ones
• Stay focused
• Be positive always
• Connect with Nature
• Connect with your feelings
• Learn a new skill each day
• Be with people who make you happy
• Learn the art of saying NO to anyone or situations that might impact your mental health
• Be Confident- Be YOU

Role of technology in mental health conditions- We suggest using apps for meditation, journaling, sleep tracking, and connecting with mental health professionals online.

This concludes our blog on how technology can help in mental health and we hope you find this useful. Still, have questions or just want to be heard? We are here to help you and can be reached through our website. 

We are here to help you live a normal life!!!