Exciting Trends in Mental Health

The hottest mental health trend for 2021, has got to be the new apps that are out there! Especially since the outbreak covid-19, the world has experienced a wave of depression and various mental health issues as a result of panic and seclusion. So what could you do when you were on lockdown and needed to talk to a mental health professional? Well, many turned to their phones. They have downloaded apps to help them address and combat mental health concerns while also wanting to just practice mental wellness and fitness.

You can download a variety of apps that can incorporate successful techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT). A person can literally work on their depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, Etc.

Health experts have predicted that these apps will play an important role for mental health (diagnosis/treatment) in the future. It allows individuals to practice self management of their specific disorders. This is really an Innovative solution for countless people. Since there are no real guidelines at the moment for these mental health apps the American Psychiatric Association has created a type of rating system that will be used to assess benefits with the assistance of  psychiatrists and clinical psychologists as well as other mental health clinicians to decide if there are any risk or how efficient the app is.

With so many turning to Telehealth, these mental health and wellness apps have been an immediate resource to those in need. Some professionals are worried that these apps will replace therapy sessions. But, they still agree that it has been a real blessing for people during the pandemic and this post-pandemic era. 

One thing that users have mentioned is that these smartphone apps have a level of anonymity. They appreciate the confidentiality and privacy that they get from using them. This system allows them to find answers to their questions while keeping them secure in their comfort zone.

Let's face it, this world has been through a lot in recent years. There are a lot of raw emotions flowing in society. No matter what the problem is, you can find a solution in an app. Including but not limited to, suicidal tendencies, general mental health practices, addiction, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression and even just keeping your mood in check, there is an app out there for everyone.

Celebrities Speaking Out About Mental Health

It seems that society has really pulled together during this tough time. Celebrities have come together and have openly discussed how important mental health awareness is and how everyone should be taking care of themselves and seeking help when they need it. Let's take a moment to see what a few of them have had to say in recent interviews:

“Here's to ending the stigma around mental health and normalizing asking for help.... we've got to commit to making this time as healthy, peaceful and beautiful as possible.” This was a quote from Ariana Grande via her Instagram account in May of 2021.

In January, comedian Chris Rock discussed on CBS Sunday Morning, that he has increased his time in therapy because he has been very very hard on himself.

Last October Selena Gomez posted an Instagram live discussion with Dr. Vivek Murthy about Mental Health. It was an inspiring interview about depression and the different ways to help combat it.

In May, Sarah Michelle Gellar talked about her coping mechanisms for her anxiety and depression During an E! News interview. 

Demi Lovato said, “It's something that is extremely common, one in five adults has a mental illness, so basically everyone is essentially connected to those problems…”

The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, said, “I found that with depression one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone - you're not the first to go through it, you're not going to be the last to go through it.”

Lizzo was quoted as saying, “I finally realized that owning up to your vulnerabilities is a form of strength, making a choice to go to therapy is a form of strength.”

Lady Gaga posted on social media that meditation really improves her mental health and reminds her that it's important to stay calm so she can be safe in her body. 

Adam Levine from Maroon 5, was diagnosed with ADHD. He has been quoted a lot, advocating for people with this mental illness.

I think we've had a turning point in society today.  We have all experienced a lot over the last couple of years and it has brought our Global Community together. Now that everyone has experienced a Mental Health issue, whether it was for ourselves or watching a loved one go through it, we are now very aware that it exists and the impact that it can cause. Once we are aware of something it doesn't just go away, we address it.

Not only are celebrities coming forward on a worldwide stage to help people cope and explain what helps them get through their personal struggles with mental illness, but now we also have technology behind us too. So, whether it inspires you to listen to stars overcoming their own struggles, or downloading an app on your phone, you can make a choice to take care of your mental health and wellness. You are in the driver's seat. You have the resources and ability to take care of yourself.

It is important for everyone to realize that self-care is not selfish. In fact, it is the opposite. It is a step in the Journey of self-love. If you cannot take care of yourself and be the best person mentally and physically that you can be, then you can't help those around you either. There are people who love you, people who depend on you, and if you don’t protect yourself how can you take care of them.? Self-care is essential. Regardless of what motivates you to address your mental health and fitness, you should seek it out and strive to fulfill your needs.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether it is due to a trauma, or chemical imbalance in the brain, it is not your fault. You are going through something that millions of people are going through too, you are not alone.