How Telemedicine Is Encouraging Conversations Around Mental Health Issues

Mental health is one of the most pressing issues of our times. In the last few years, conversations around mental health have been gathering steam. This has in part been thanks to major celebrities and world leaders speaking out publicly and in social forums about these concerns. 

For a very long time, the stigma of being associated with mental health prevented individuals from voicing their issues. this also impaired their ability when it came to seeking professional help. One major factor that has been able to emerge as an answer to this problem has been ‘Telemedicine’. 

Seek help online has become a watchword that a lot of governments, celebs, and influencers are rooting for. In this resource article, we look at some major reasons why telemedicine seems to be the perfect fit for individuals with mental health concerns. 

Reasons why Telemedicine is helping Individuals raise Mental Health Issues

• Lack of Physical Appointments because of COVID-19- 

There are a number of studies that have shown how mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress are on the rise because of COVID-19. 

With people not being able to see their therapists or counsellors in person, telemedicine has emerged as a helpful avenue to keep sessions going. 

This has helped individuals cope with several stresses and anxieties arising because of the pandemic. It has been playing a major role in reducing the worries of individuals.

• The Emergence of Mental Health Issues from Rural Areas- 

The use of drugs, increasing financial strains, and loss of jobs have been reported from rural areas. In such areas, mental health experts, therapists, and counsellors are not readily available. 

This is one major reason telemedicine is helping individuals from rural areas get in touch with mental health professionals. 

Mental health is no longer an issue restricted to urban areas anymore. It is slowly spreading in a major way in rural centers, villages, and small towns as well. 

• The Overcoming of Stigma around Mental Health Issues- 

A lot of people know that they need to seek help for their mental health issues and concerns. They acknowledge that there is a problem. 

However, they are afraid to be seen visiting a therapist. They do not want their work colleagues or family members to find out. 

Telemedicine has emerged as a boon for such individuals who have mental health issues but do not feel confident of making them public. This allows them to seek treatment and get their problems addressed. 

• Better Convenience and Access to Professionals- 

A lot of individuals that are opting for mental health teleconsultations are doing so because it is so convenient. 

For example, you can schedule appointments as and when you are free. Therapists and counsellors have a much more extended period of seeing patients as they too are at home and comfortable. 

This improvement in terms of convenience and access has made more people take to telemedicine for tackling their mental health concerns and issues.

• Allows for Complete Anonymity for Patients- 

A lot of patients want not only to be seen but also do not want to disclose their identities even to their counsellors or therapists. 

With telemedicine, they get a chance to build on the confidentiality part and make sure that they are getting the treatment without compromising on their identity. This makes them feel comfortable and seek professional help for all their worries and stresses. 

These patients fear that disclosing their identities can lead to a lot of problems in their personal and professional lives. 

The Bottom Line

While telemedicine is helping make conversations around mental health a reality, there is still a long way to go. If experts are to be believed, telemedicine and consultations should be encouraged by leaders and celebs. If you have any other questions or doubts around mental health or telemedicine that you would like us to answer, let us know in the comments below.