2 virtual ways to find help with depression, self-esteem issues + anxiety
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Today we’re talking about two ways you can get the help you need when it comes to fighting some of life’s toughest battles.
Fears surrounding the global pandemic, as well as social distancing, have put a strain on most people in unprecedented ways.
According to Families for Depression Awareness, “more people than usual are living with anxiety or depression and, sadly, the suicide rate is increasing.”
Being in isolation often causes depression because people are left with their own thoughts. They’re not able to seek other human beings or be in a larger group setting — something that the primitive human brain desires, the report said.
Another fascinating report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information/U.S. National Library of Medicine talks about how, back in 2004, a study was conducted on 129 Toronto residents who were under quarantine during the SARS epidemic of the previous year. The study found that post traumatic stress disorder and depression were observed in 28.9 percent and 31.2 percent of respondents, respectively, according to the article.
Lately, it seems everywhere you turn, media outlets show that huge increases in depression and anxiety have been reported across the entire world.
Another thing to note, is that many people are not seeking treatment because they are afraid to go out into public places due to fears of catching or spreading COVID-19.
According to a recent NBC News/The Wall Street Journal poll, 66 percent of those who responded said they were uncomfortable attending a public gathering or an event with a large group.
Certainly the fact that people are not as social these days is very troubling to mental health and emotional stability.
As someone who knows about this all too well (I was diagnosed with severe postpartum anxiety after the birth of my first child in 2017, and I struggle with depression as I continue to cope with the loss of my younger brother who died in 2016 as a result of a synthetic opioid drug overdose) I thought I would do some digging and find a couple ways for you to get help online from the comfort of your own home.
I found these really good resources you can turn to when it comes to fighting depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and a plethora of other problems terrorizing people these days.
Talkspace Online Therapy
Talkspace offers you access to a licensed therapist simply by visiting their website, HERE.
First, you head to their website. Then you scroll down just a tad, and you will find a place where it says, “Here’s how it works.”
You’ll take a brief assessment, where you will answer a few simple questions. It takes less than two minutes.
Next, you will choose your therapist from a selection of recommended matches for you.
Then, you start messaging! It’s that simple.
According to their website, your therapist will get back to you five days per week, so you don’t have to wait weeks for your next appointment.
A lot of people have asked me how much it costs. According to their website, Talkspace is a subscription service and offers various plans so you can customize your treatment however you want to.
It says the plans range from $65 to $100 per week, but there are no contracts and you can cancel your plan anytime.
One of the features I like the most about Talkspace is that you have a “room” that is available 24/7 so you don’t have to wait to reach out to someone for help. I love that you can have support all the time.
It’s so nice when someone has your back, especially with everything going on in the world. Don’t worry, you can also always schedule your appointments in advance, if you want to.
Another aspect of Talkspace that people really like is the fact you can switch therapists at any time and at no extra cost to you.
According to their website, their national network features thousands of licensed therapists across the U.S. and Canada.
The site says that on average, Talkspace therapists have 9 years of experience as professional mental health care providers, and have been carefully vetted and trained.
Sometimes on the website, Talkspace will offer a promo code at the top to save money on their services, which is nice. Their platform is also really easy to navigate, which is definitely an added bonus.
If you want to check out Talkspace, CLICK HERE.
BetterHelp Online Counseling
Another resource I have found is BetterHelp Online Counseling.
According to the BetterHelp website, here is how it works:
You will answer a few questions about yourself and the challenges you're currently facing.
You will then create a private username and password to get access to the system.
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Next you enter your payment information. Plans start at $40/week and you can apply for financial aid, it says.
Based on your needs, BetterHelp will match you with a qualified licensed professional counselor.
If you are not satisfied, you can switch at any time, similar to how Talkspace works.
A great feature of BetterHelp is that you can begin the counseling process in any of the following ways: text, phone or video.
Something really helpful that BetterHelp does on their website is that you can click on different boxes that describe the problem you’re having, then it takes you to a page that will better assist you with that problem.
For example, you could click on the box that says, “Anxiety.” You will then be matched more closely with a licensed professional who can meet your needs to specifically battle anxiety (or any issue you’re facing.)
Some examples of boxes you can click for help:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Self-esteem
Anger
Relationships
Grief
And many more.
BetterHelp also offers a complete resources page for people who are facing an emergency and need serious help, and fast. Suicide prevention lines, and numerous other crisis resources are listed there. That link can be found, HERE.
Don’t suffer in silence
I hope these resources can help you out in case you need extra help fighting battles these days. You don’t have to suffer in silence and you do not have to feel ashamed of getting help. Definitely don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need something. There is always hope.
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