Did you know that almost 40 million Americans have an anxiety disorder and that only 37% of them get treatment? It is the most common mental health disorder in the United States and depression is the second. Depression affects more than 322 million people in America. These conditions can both be easily treated with counseling but so many just do not get help. Why? There are many reasons such as fear, embarrassment, stigma, or even lack of time. Many people also don’t get help because they live in a rural area or do not have transportation. The solution for that is simple; online counseling.
Online Versus Traditional Counseling
Yes, online counseling is a wonderful option for many people who are either unable or unwilling to try traditional therapy and it is just as effective. In fact, it can be even more effective for those who would have trouble talking about their feelings or troubles in a traditional face to face session. It can be a lot easier to tell your therapist how you are feeling through a text or email or even on the phone rather than in person. Not to mention the time it can save you.
How Online Counseling Saves Time
Think about it like this, you do not have to make an appointment, take time off work or spending time with loved ones, drive back and forth to the office, or sit in the waiting room…waiting. All that time you save can be used doing other things that can also help your mental health. Spend some time hanging out with your friends and family, enjoy a few hours at the park, take a walk with your dog, or whatever else you want to do.
Depression Woes
If you are suffering from depression, you know it is difficult to make appointments and even harder to keep them. Some days you have no motivation to do anything and other days you may not even feel like getting out of bed to shower and get dressed. With online counseling, you can talk to your therapist from your bed or wherever you happen to be. No shower needed. Depression can make it hard for you to talk to others about your feelings too so being able to text or email your counselor is a big help.
Anxiety Attacks
Those who are suffering from any type of anxiety disorder know how hard it is to leave the house sometimes. Especially if you have social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, just thinking about going out in public or having to talk to someone about yourself or something else that makes you uncomfortable can cause an anxiety attack (panic attack). The signs of a panic attack are severe and can even make you think you are going to die. You may have chest pains, dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing and heartrate, sweating, and you may even pass out. Talking to your counselor online will help avoid that.
For those who live in a rural area, do not have a vehicle or other transportation, or just do not want to talk to a counselor face to face, online counseling on apps like BetterHelp may just be the perfect choice for you. Take a few minutes and check it out today and you could be feeling better soon.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.