The internet has transformed how people communicate and engage with one another, but it also presents us with new challenges. Almost everyone uses the internet in today’s digital world. According to Statista, the US has 307 million internet users alone. That’s more than 90% of its population.
As people continue to use this technology more and more, it’s essential to consider both the benefits and risks involved when it comes to mental health. Mental health is a serious concern across the US, especially after the pandemic hit us. For instance, an article from Voice of OC says that suicides in Orange County, California (OC) reached the highest level in 2019, and reports of mental health issues are rising at an alarming rate in 2020.
This article lists the pros and cons of Internet usage for mental health so you can make an informed decision about your digital habits.
Pros of Internet Usage for Mental Health
The internet provides a wealth of information and resources for people with mental health issues. This can be helpful when finding the right rehab center and for self-care and coping strategies.
It also allows for telemedicine, where patients can get mental health counseling and treatment from the comfort of their homes. The quality of treatment does not deteriorate with telemedicine.
A survey published in the ResearchGate journal shows that a sample population of aged women reveals that offline and online peer group mental health support can offer similar benefits in dealing with mental health.
There are many other benefits of using the internet for mental health problems, such as:
Increased Access to Information and Resources
The internet can be a powerful tool for anyone seeking to improve their mental health. With increased access to information and resources, you’ll be able to better understand your condition and learn how to manage it effectively.
This will lead to increased awareness of mental health issues in general, as well as an increase in community support for those who are suffering from conditions like depression or anxiety disorders. The internet also makes it easier for people who need help getting treatment, whether medication or therapy sessions, to find what they need nearby.
The internet also lets you find information about the rehab center you want to select for your treatment. For instance, you can find rehab centers on the internet and open any websites to find more information, like what programs they offer, whether they accept insurance, etc.
This can be useful if you seek specific services or insurance acceptance. For instance, military insurance can offer better benefits than other insurance. Hence, if you have military insurance, you will likely want to use it.
In that case, you can look for rehab centers that accept military insurance for addiction treatment, and you can easily find it from a website with the help of the internet.
Help With Finding the Right Rehab Centers
In addition to providing you with an analysis of your mental health, we can help you find the right rehab center.
We have compiled a list of the most important factors when choosing a treatment program. These include:
- Location: Are you willing to travel? Do you want to be close enough that family members and friends can easily visit while they’re on vacation? Is there nearby where you can get food or shop if needed?
- Cost: How much do these programs cost? Will insurance cover any part of it? Do they accept or offer payment plans through their website if needed by patients who cannot afford upfront payments?
Considering the same OC example above, you can quickly find a rehab center for addiction using the internet. All you need to do is make a quick Google search for a top provider of addiction help in the OC, and you will get a list of names. You can then compare the rehab centers to pick the one that best suits your needs based on the facilities and programs centers offer.
There are centers that offer services like mental health treatment, addiction treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment in Orange County.
One of them, called South Shores Recovery, has even received National Quality Approval from The Joint Commission for these services.
Greater Opportunities for Social Support and Connection
Social media can be a great source of support and connection. It’s easier to find local resources and support groups online than off, making it easier for people new to an area to connect with others who share their experiences.
Online support groups are also helpful for those who don’t have family or friends nearby who understand what they’re going through or want extra company when feeling lonely or isolated.
Cons of Internet Usage for Mental Health
The internet is a wonderful tool for mental health, but it can also harm your well-being. The following are some of the risks of using the internet:
Negative Effects of Social Media and Excessive Screen Time
Social media and excessive screen time can have adverse effects on mental health.
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, heavy social media use is associated with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The study also found that people who spend the most time on social media tend to have more depressive symptoms than those who spend less time online.
Additionally, social media can cause loneliness by making it easier for people to hide behind their phones and avoid interacting with others.
Excessive screen time has been linked to sleep deprivation which can lead to anxiety and depression as well as other health problems like obesity and heart disease.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Cyberbullying and online harassment are two of the most common forms of bullying, and they can have devastating effects on those targeted. Cyberbullying is defined as any form of bullying that occurs online. At the same time, online harassment refers to using social media or other online platforms to harass another person.
Both forms can be perpetrated by strangers or acquaintances alike. However, cyberbullies tend not to be as anonymous because they often use their real names when communicating with their victims. Young people between the age group of 12-20 are the victims of cyberbullying. In a survey of 10,000 such youngsters, 10 percent stated being bullied online on YouTube.
Online harassment may include:
- Posting threatening messages about someone else on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter
- Sending threatening emails, texts, Snapchats, etc., especially if you have access to private information about them
Using the Internet to Reach Out for Rehab Help
The internet is a powerful resource for mental health. It provides users with access to information and resources, helps them connect with others in their community who are going through similar experiences, and makes it easier than ever before to find treatment options that fit their needs.
But like any technology, there are risks associated with using the internet for mental health purposes. These include cyberbullying and online harassment, as well as negative effects from social media use, such as excessive screen time or potentially misleading content that professionals may not regulate.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or other mental health concerns, using the Internet to find out more about South Shores Recovery in Orange County can be a great way to get started on a path of recovery today!