HCSS LUG

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in the field of mental health, with the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat mental health conditions. From early detection to personalized treatment plans, AI is proving to be a powerful tool in improving the lives of those living with mental health issues. In this article, we will explore the current state of AI in mental health and its potential future role in improving mental health outcomes.

AI in Mental Health Diagnosis

One of the most promising applications of AI in mental health is its potential to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. Traditional methods of diagnosis can be time-consuming and rely heavily on subjective assessments, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. AI, on the other hand, can analyze large amounts of data, such as patient symptoms and medical history, to identify patterns and make more accurate diagnoses.

One example of this is the use of AI to identify biomarkers of depression. Researchers have found that AI can analyze brain scans and identify patterns that are indicative of depression, which could lead to earlier detection and more accurate diagnosis. Additionally, AI can analyze large amounts of text data, such as social media posts, to identify patterns that suggest a person is experiencing symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions.

AI in Personalized Treatment Planning

Another area where AI is making a significant impact on mental health is in personalized treatment planning. Traditional treatment plans for mental health conditions are often based on general guidelines and may not take into account the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. AI, on the other hand, can analyze a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other relevant data to create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to the individual.

One example of this is the use of AI to create personalized treatment plans for patients with schizophrenia. Researchers have found that AI can analyze a patient’s symptoms, brain scans, and genetic data to identify the most effective treatment options for that individual. This can lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.

AI in Therapy

AI is also being used to improve the delivery of therapy for mental health conditions. For example, AI-powered chatbots can provide patients with 24/7 access to therapy and support, which can be especially beneficial for those living in rural or remote areas who may not have access to in-person therapy. Additionally, AI can be used to analyze patterns in therapy sessions, such as the words and phrases used by the therapist and the patient, to identify areas where the therapy may be most effective.

One example of this is the use of AI-powered virtual reality (VR) therapy for patients with PTSD. VR therapy allows patients to safely revisit traumatic events and process them in a controlled environment. AI can analyze the patient’s reactions and responses in real-time, providing the therapist with valuable information about the patient’s progress and areas where the therapy may need to be adjusted.

Challenges and Limitations

While AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health diagnosis and treatment, there are also significant challenges and limitations that must be addressed. One major challenge is the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in mental health, particularly with regards to privacy and the potential for bias. Additionally, there is a lack of regulation and oversight in the field of AI in mental health, which can lead to inconsistencies in the quality and effectiveness of AI-powered mental health services.

Another limitation of AI in mental health is the lack of understanding about how AI-powered systems work. Many mental health professionals may be hesitant to use AI-powered tools because they do not fully understand how the technology works or how to interpret the results. This can lead to mistrust and a lack of adoption of AI-powered tools by mental health professionals.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges and limitations, AI has the potential to revolutionize the field of mental health by improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, creating personalized treatment plans, and improving the delivery of therapy. However, it is important that the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in mental health are addressed, and that there is proper regulation and oversight in place to ensure the quality and effectiveness of AI-powered mental health services. Additionally, it is important that mental health professionals are educated and trained on how to use and interpret the results of AI-powered tools.

As the field of AI in mental health continues to evolve, it is important to stay informed and open to new developments. With the right approach, AI has the potential to greatly improve the lives of those living with mental health conditions.

In a nutshell, AI can be a powerful tool in mental health diagnosis and therapy treatment, but it’s important to consider the ethical and regulatory aspects of it, and also to educate and train mental health professionals on how to use and interpret the results of AI-powered tools.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way in recent years, and its potential for use in therapy is becoming increasingly clear. By immersing patients in virtual environments that simulate real-world situations, VR therapy can help individuals work through a variety of mental health conditions in a safe and controlled way.

Origin of Virtual Reality

The very first mentions of virtual reality can be traced back to the 1930s and 40s, when a group of scientists first began experimenting with the ideology of creating immersive, computer-generated environments. One of the earliest examples of virtual reality technology was the “Sensorama,” a machine that used a combination of stereo displays, stereo sound, and even smells to create an immersive experience for the user.

In the 1960s and 1970s, computer scientist Ivan Sutherland developed the “Sword of Damocles,” a head-mounted display that allowed users to view a computer-generated 3D environment. This was considered as the first true virtual reality (VR) headset.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the development of virtual reality technology continued with the introduction of new hardware, such as data gloves and motion tracking systems. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that virtual reality began to gain mainstream attention, with the release of consumer VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive.

Nowadays, virtual reality technology has advanced significantly, and it is being used in many fields, including gaming, entertainment, education, training, and therapy. Furthermore, it has also been widely used for remote communication and collaboration, in fields such as remote work, remote learning, and telemedicine.

The Advantages of VR Therapy

One of the key advantages of VR therapy is that it allows patients to confront and work through their fears and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. For example, someone with a fear of flying can use VR to simulate a flight and gradually become desensitized to the experience. This can be especially helpful for individuals who may not be able to access real-world exposure therapy due to cost, accessibility, or safety concerns.

Another advantage of VR therapy is its ability to create customized treatment plans for each individual patient. For example, a therapist may use VR to simulate a specific situation that triggers a patient’s anxiety or PTSD symptoms and then work with the patient to develop coping strategies to deal with those symptoms.

The Challenges of VR Therapy

As with any new technology, there are challenges associated with using VR in therapy. One of the main challenges is the cost of the equipment and software. While the cost of VR technology is decreasing, it is still a significant investment for many therapy practices.

Another challenge is the lack of research on the long-term effectiveness of VR therapy. While there have been many small studies with promising results, we need to conduct more studies to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using VR in therapy.

The Future of VR Therapy

Despite the challenges, it’s clear that VR has the potential to be a valuable tool in the mental health field. As VR technology continues to improve and become more accessible, it’s likely that we will see more and more therapists incorporating VR into their practices.

How Can Therapy Be Facilitated in a Virtual Reality

Therapy in virtual reality (VR) can be facilitated in a number of ways, depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient. Here are a few examples of how therapy can be facilitated in a VR environment:

1. Exposure therapy: VR can be used to simulate real-world situations that may trigger a patient’s anxiety or phobia. The patient can then work with a therapist to develop coping strategies to deal with these triggers in a safe and controlled environment.
2. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: VR can be used to create calming and relaxing virtual environments, such as a beach or a forest, to help patients practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): VR can be used to simulate real-world situations that may be causing negative thoughts and behaviors. The patient can then work with a therapist to identify and challenge these thoughts and behaviors in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Skills training: VR can be used to simulate real-world situations in which patients can practice and improve social and communication skills.
5. Virtual reality therapy for PTSD: VR can be used to simulate traumatic events that the patient experienced, allowing patients to process and work through their trauma in a safe, controlled environment.

It is important to note that VR therapy should always be done under the guidance of a licensed therapist and the therapy should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and goals.

In Conclusion

Virtual reality therapy is a new frontier in mental health treatment that offers many potential benefits, including the ability to confront and work through fears and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment, and to create customized treatment plans for each patient. While there are challenges associated with using VR in therapy, such as cost and lack of long-term research, the potential benefits of this technology make it worth exploring further. As VR technology continues to improve and become more accessible, it’s likely that we will see more and more therapists incorporating VR into their practices.

The impact of technology on our lives is positive, but it also has its ups and downs. Here we will discuss the advantages of technology and how it can make our lives easier. We will learn more about technology’s contribution to the counseling process. If you want to know more about the significant advantages of technology, continue reading.

The ability of technology has revolutionized life, food, medicine, vehicle, machinery, videos, teaching skills and techniques, companies, tasks, space, and many fields and possibilities around the globe. It’s important and has become an integral part of our lives. If you are interested in discovering information about the advantages of technology, this is the perfect lesson or educational technology write-up for you.

The Benefits Of Technology In Counseling

How can the community of people, specifically children use the advantages of technology? What are the example contributions of technology in counseling?

Aside from providing many benefits in daily life, modern technology is cost-effective. It helps with utility bills, and better communication, and a technological device or phone encourages active participation in your social media life. It assists young students in saving time if they use technology in the classroom. Technologies also help businesses to stay relevant in society. It supports better business advancements in the future and in the long run with less mobility of humans and with automation from machines.

Technological advancements in today’s era have replaced many manual tasks or work and processes in the 21st century. The growth of instructional technology has been so rapid pace and widespread that it has transformed almost all industries and sectors, including electronics. Nowadays, technology is used widely in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, technology in education, and communication, something that the people in the past only imagined.

More Fun, Engaging And Supports Effective Communication

The latest technology in science is far from the world’s century ago because it’s more fun and engaging. Technology advances support effective communication that saves time, important data, and productivity of companies.

For instance, technology has become genuinely helpful in treatments and medications in today’s generation compared to the past few decades. That is because it provides the most advantageous means to help counselors, therapists, doctors, and other medical professionals to accomplish their jobs more effectively and efficiently. The perks of computers and the world wide web internet and other types of technology are significant.

Let’s Look Into The Advantages

Since people are technically more engaged in the tech world, they’re focused on integrating technology innovations most of the time. The advantage it gives is the main reason they are so open about incorporating technology into their lives. Through it, people can do counseling online and online learning for students. This is one of the most common advantages of technology advances and other forms of it.

Advantages Of Utilizing Technology

Resource And Information

Counselors utilize technology in various forms. Digitalization helps professionals conveniently access the materials available in the databases with customer information and adhere to learning and satisfying their needs. It provides various resources for different kinds of information.

Resource and information support counselors to obtain adequate levels of digital literacy to understand their nature and role in people’s personal and professional lives and understand human behavior. The advantages of technology allow for alternative steps that need to be taken to ensure not to create obstacles for some clients.

Communication And Collaboration Advantages

Understanding The Significance

Technology evolution is significant in resources and information technology serves as an essential input for all types of organizations and global revolution. Professionals take advantage of it effective communication and use it for chat rooms, e-mail, virtual shared environments, online conferences, video conferencing, and other electronic meeting services. New technology enables people to connect despite being far from each other. Technology also contributes to collaborative work so people can exchange information and create shared decisions with cost efficiency.

With technology’s advancement, clients can ethically and officially protect their profession and clients by using all known and reasonable security measures. Both can agree to solidify interaction through uniform standards of training and practice of counseling with a focus that includes a holistic counseling experience.

Helps With Productivity And Research

Technological advancements support the development of maturing software and Web-based programming that launches new levels of available digital tools. These new innovations such as artificial intelligence sustain the need for customized services for the counseling profession.

These highly advanced tools help counselors develop and create anything, including personalized business cards, Website links, schedules, and appointments. Some examples of interactive tools that help counselors include the conversion of text to speech, typing skills, electronic data transfer, and graph creation. It also helps in determining the creativity and interactive effects of popular and newest prescription drugs.

Counselors and clients benefit from modern technology research programs as they can effectively harness the power and function of hardware and software. The future of AI in mental health crisis support might also mean that they’ll have additional tools to assist their patients. Counselors have a great advantage in handling multiple clients without thinking about the limitations of their innovative competence. It is a viable interactive medium that removes pressure and discomfort during counseling sessions.

Moreover, technology programs have made it easier for us to carry out daily operations. Whether it’s something as simple as ordering a pizza or booking a flight, surely, this aspect of technology has helped implement convenient ways for people to live.

Provides Convenience When It Comes To Counseling Services

Growing in popularity is counselors’ use of new media technology to meet clients and deliver counseling services in a virtual or online environment. It has been great at providing convenience when it comes to the distance-related matter of e-counseling. Counselors utilize it to immediately address their patient’s needs and assist them on scheduled time regardless of the situation. They might even be able to meet “in person” by employing VR sessions and VR-based pain management techniques.

It Offers Better Access To Healthcare Professionals

Aside from that, counseling’s delivery of service can enhance consistency as both patients and professionals possibly come up with regular involvement. That is because modern technology offers better access to healthcare professionals who may not be available in their geographic location.

And since there is an alternative to face-to-face sessions without social disconnect, clients or patients can feel financially better because they can remove travel expenses. They can also have access to more specialists and select healthcare who can work with their schedules better and not stick to one country only.

The Takeaway

It is significantly important to understand that new technology contributes mainly to the futuristic progress of counseling, but it is still not perfect. There are technically tons of considerations that need to be taken as some pitfalls in real life can happen almost instantly.

Thus, counselors should have the knowledge and provide practical mental and emotional services to clients during limited nonverbal or extraverbal behavior in some particular place. Counseling can be a valuable help to solve problems as long as people take it seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 10 advantages of new technology?

What are the advantages of technology today?

What are the 7 advantages of innovation in education?

What are the advantages of innovation to students?

What are the 6 advantages of innovation in the classroom?

Is technology beneficial to education?

Do technology and artificial intelligence make life better?

What are the functions of new innovation?

How latest innovation is changing our lives?

Can technology save the world?

How innovation has made our lives easier?

How technology makes us smarter?

How technology can change the world?

How innovation has helped society?

How does innovation improve learning?

E-counseling services are administered by licensed counselors as advisers who know how to identify goals and potential solutions to people’s life problems and difficulties. Fortunately, alongside the difficulty of providing guidance services is the opportunity given by technological advancement. When it comes to the picture of mental health services, you can opt for online treatment services or online therapy providers instead of traditional ones. Understand how this helps and know how you can benefit from it.

The treatment has been preferred by both professionals and clients nowadays. The primary goals of the therapy are to provide accessibility, affordability, and convenience. Let’s further discuss online counseling in this article.

E-Counseling

The use of cyber counseling, online therapy platforms, and tools by social workers, psychologists, and other mental health providers is on the rise. A reliable survey by the American Psychiatric Association showed that in 2017, 54% of research respondents used some form of online counseling, up from 42% in 2014, to control depression.

One of the benefits of technology paired with counseling is that it can make therapy more accessible to people who might not otherwise seek help on-site. That’s important because untreated mental illnesses like bipolar disorder can lead to serious consequences, including job loss, human connection problems, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. So, it’s important to read and explore educational articles about online therapy.

What Entails Online Counseling And How Does It Work?

Technology is now an essential part of counseling as it potentially increases free time in the lives of patients and practitioners. Processing and contacting the insurance company in the comfort of your own home or any private space is also quite easy through online therapy. Those individuals who previously could not find even a little dedicated time for treatment sessions could now access professional help and contact therapists with the tip of their hands through online therapy sessions.

With the help of mobile devices, both patients and the primary care physician or online counseling mental health professionals can interact and assist in building a relationship. E-counseling may provide a better avenue to help build the relationship. Aside from that, mobile devices can support better communication, especially in remote areas where treatment is somehow out of reach. The best part of utilizing mobile gadgets is that both patients and e-counselors can secure convenience, affordability, and fewer restrictions. This approach then can be a very good option.

But it is essential to note that while technology may be a good source of collaboration, it can still fail in some aspects. Visiting a therapist’s office and seeking face-to-face therapy or traditional therapy is still a viable option to get an appointment. Both patients’ and professionals’ safety and privacy can be at risk. That is because utilizing technology in treatment only works when information gets transmitted properly by an online counselor or doctor.

Therefore, information leaks and hacks can become more of a concern. Aside from that, while technology offers convenience, it lacks in response to critical situations, meaning it would be difficult to access treatment when it gets badly needed by patients. As a result, it is not as dependable as face-to-face counseling.

As the world changes, so do the ways in which people seek out support and solutions. This is especially true for children or adolescents seeking teen counseling or pride counseling with limited or no health insurance. In years past, if someone was experiencing difficulties in their life journey, like people suffering from stress, anxiety, or suicidal tendencies, they might have turned to a traditional counselor or therapist for accurate and criteria-based play help. Now, seeking help can be easy through etherapy which can be conducted through video chat or online chat. This help is curated by numerous up-to-date reviews so engaging in it can significantly impact your life.

Counseling: Helpful Treatment

Utilization of Virtual Augmented Reality

Technology has come a long way it now proved that it is capable of almost anything. Thus, the utilization of virtual-augmented reality in mental health counseling is becoming extremely sophisticated. In addition, therapy online can support patients-professionals relationships so that both can benefit from the look and feel of an in-person consultation.

A recent study about patients’ simulations shows that virtual-augmented reality can be an effective instrument for the increased brief clinical interviewing skills applicable to people who have behavioral problems. Therefore, shortly, everyone can expect VR technology to help provide standardized and more accessible clinical training in environmental exposure.

But then again, though VR technology sounds very promising, it may still have difficulties in erasing the patient-professional barrier to giving mental health care. Yes, it can be useful in various situations, especially when the concern is an in-depth understanding of the patient’s condition.

However, VR cannot process immediate support and assistance from a trained e-counselor. It would be very difficult to assist patients with severe symptoms of a mental health condition. The scope of mental health treatment can be limited to instructional procedures only, which is typically not effective in more complex situations.

The Internet Can Save The Day

As bad as the situation of individuals could get, they can still rely on virtual counseling anytime and anywhere. They can utilize technology and the internet due to the flexible nature of their services.

Some e-counselors believe that the even more encouraging effect of digital interventions in giving pieces of advice is to provide a positive experience for patients to convince them to go on and consider seeking face-to-face guidance.

And since there is a positive approach in treatment therapy sessions, patients and professionals can build strong connections even before they get in touch personally. Both in-person therapy and e-therapy support mental health issues.

Thus, other mental health professionals believe that it can bridge the gap in social interaction. In addition, technology can help encourage patients to verbalize particular subjects of their mental health conditions and even make personal interpretations.

But despite the compromising benefits of the treatment, there are still some issues that e-counselors need to address in particular. The most common thing that patients and e-counselors complain about it is miscommunication. Professionals cannot easily access body language information from the patients, leading to a greater risk of missing significant non-verbal cues.

In some aspects, the patients might also have serious mental health problems, bringing their complex thoughts and emotions into words. And the worse of all, a very unreliable internet connection may jeopardize and interrupt the delivery and flow of the treatment session.

Final Thoughts

Treatment in a technologically innovative world comes with pros and cons. If people want to utilize convenience and affordability, that is okay. However, they should also consider looking at some important factors that might affect such a service. Technology is okay as it provides great benefits when it comes to immediate response.

However, it might threaten human-to-human relationships at some point. So, again, people should take the time to learn what is more convenient and effective for their mental health needs.

If you want to access more about e-counseling content, subscribe to your local lifestyle magazine or press. You have the option to send them a handwritten or typed letter of intent. Once they receive your letter, they will provide you with notifications about whether or not your subscription has been approved. But most of the time, they do, regardless of your field. So, ensure proper compensation.

FAQs

What Are The Disadvantages Of Online Counseling?

Is Zoom Therapy As Effective As In Person?

The effectiveness of Zoom therapy compared to in-person therapy varies depending on individual preferences, therapy type, therapist competence, technology, comfort levels, and the convenience of receiving therapy from the comfort of one’s home. While some people may find Zoom therapy just as effective and convenient, others may prefer the in-person, face to face experience for its personal connection. Ultimately, the choice between e counseling and in-person therapy depends on individual needs and circumstances.

Is Online Therapy Recorded?

Is Virtual Therapy Safe?

What Are The Benefits Of Online Counseling?

Online counseling offers several advantages, including convenience, accessibility, flexibility, and privacy, making it a valuable option for individuals dealing with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Clients with depression may find it easier to engage in therapy from the comfort of their homes, reducing barriers to seeking help. They can choose online therapists experienced in treating depression and customize their sessions to their specific needs. However, the decision between online therapy services and in-person therapy should be based on individual preferences and circumstances.

What is the best professional counseling app?

Online therapy uses digital tools like video calls or phone chats, allowing clients to connect with therapists from home. It offers flexibility and privacy, resembling traditional therapy sessions, with discussions and therapeutic techniques tailored to the client’s needs. Clients find a therapist online to access mental health services. Privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and payment is often handled securely online. Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility, making it a valuable option for mental health support, though it’s crucial to select a reputable therapist and platform.

What is email counseling?

What is online therapy in college?

When did online counseling start?

How do I prepare for an online counseling session?

To prepare for an online counseling session and access mental health services, start by ensuring your technology works smoothly, choose a private and quiet space, and have any materials or notes you want to discuss on hand. Dress comfortably but in a way that helps you feel focused. Set clear goals for the session, minimize distractions, and have a backup plan for technical issues. Approach the session with an open mind and follow self-care afterward to reflect and relax. Your active participation and preparation in the therapy services play a vital role in making the session productive and beneficial for your mental health.

How technology is useful in counseling?

How do you conduct online counseling?

What are the reviews about online therapy?

What are the ethical principles of online therapy?

Light therapy? How does it work in treatment?

In recent years, several technological advancements offer relief and made our daily lives more comfortable. From communication to education to information, technology has made tasks more convenient and reliable.

Read on about light therapy to learn more about its benefits and features.

Understanding Light Therapy

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, bright light therapy, or bright white light therapy, is a therapy used to treat a variety of mental health conditions using light therapy devices such as smaller light boxes and blue light.

How Does Therapy Using Light Help?

Apart from these, technology has also been helpful in terms of medical treatment. For example, technology paved the way for the development of commercially available phototherapy devices for seasonal affective disorder.

Furthermore, the light intensity and light exposure it emits help combat sleep disorders, mood disorders, bipolar depression, nonseasonal depression and seasonal depression, among other things. It is more effective than antidepressant medication alone according to a randomized clinical trial. It is a guaranteed advice that it works!

Seasonal Affective Disorder

As we discuss the sessions here, we will relate it to a condition that has been proven to benefit tremendously from light therapy – seasonal affective disorder.

What is light therapy? How does light therapy work? And is therapy using light harder to find than natural sunlight? The seasonal affective disorder consists of episodes of major depressive disorder and/or restlessness that occur regularly during a particular timing of the year.

Winter depression is the most prevalent form of SAD. It exhibits repeated episodes of specific depression symptoms that occur in the fall or winter.

Symptoms You Should Be Looking Out For

• Oversleeping
• Craving for energy-rich foods
• Weight Gain
• Social withdrawal

If left untreated, this condition can get complicated. It can lead to serious problems, including school or work problems, substance abuse, self-harm, and other mental disorders. Also, it can generally be remiss during the upcoming spring or summer. So where does light therapy come in? How does it work with SAD?

The specific cause of SAD is unknown. But the reduction of sunlight exposure can end up triggering SAD. Seasonal changes can also lead to circadian rhythm sleep disorders and disrupt the internal body clock.

It can then trigger winter depression which can be caused by a significant drop in both serotonin and melatonin levels.

Bright Light Treatment

Does bright light treatment really help with depression? Specifically, some are more likely to develop SAD than others. Those who have major depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to develop SAD. Having relatives with SAD or another form of depression also increases the risk of acquiring SAD.

According to medical reviews, living far from the equator can increase the risk for SAD due to a significant drop in sunlight exposure or outdoor light.

Does Lights Therapy Have An Effect On Bipolar Disorder?

People who experience SAD need as much natural light therapy exposure as possible, especially early in the morning. However, this may not apply to some areas due to the darker winter months. Thus, the use of this therapy coupled with other primary treatments for SAD can significantly improve your condition.

What Is Light Full-Spectrum Treatment?

Full-spectrum visible light therapy is primarily used for treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also known as “winter depression,” it occurs typically during this period due to the lack of sunlight.

This session makes use of boxes with full-spectrum lighting, which mimics the wavelengths of natural sun rays. Exposure to this therapy has been said to work well to treat SAD and other types of depression, according to sleep medicine clinics.

How Do You Use Full-Spectrum?

Full-spectrum light therapy is a simple and straightforward process. You simply have to sit or stay near a light box. This box emits light with filtered UV light rays, which duplicates the natural daylight or light during the time of the day. It effectively mimics the visible light spectrum, hence, making the sessions work for winter depression.

The bright light supports by activating retinal cells that have a connection to the brain’s hypothalamus, which is an area that regulates the circadian rhythm. Stimulating the hypothalamus at specific times daily can re-establish a regular circadian rhythm, hence, getting rid of the seasonal symptoms.

Does Full Spectrum Really Work?

Yes, light therapy does but do note that full-spectrum is not a suitable treatment option for everyone. Some people may experience successful results with full-spectrum addressing SAD and other types of depression. However, a mental health professional or a therapist would often combine this treatment with other methods to achieve the best results.

What Are The Best Lamps For SAD?

The best lamp for SAD should have at least 10,000-lux box intensity. It should be able to filter out harmful UV rays to avoid the risk of eye strain or damage and skin damage. Just a reminder that the best way to use the lamp is at least 16 to 24 inches proper distance from the face.

Does This Type Of Session Really Work For Wrinkles?

Various types of sessions address numerous concerns from aging, depression, and other disorders. A specific type called red light therapy (RLT) is used to solve skin disorders or conditions, including wrinkles. As its primary purpose is anti-aging, RLT uses red light with a low wavelength.

Is Therapy Using Light Effective For Acne Treatment?

Usually, three sessions weekly for an estimated span of four to six weeks is a typical recommendation to initiate. Thereafter, the effects might have to be sustained by periodic follow-up therapies, probably around three months.

Is Therapy Using Light Dangerous?

Aside from reported minor side effects like headaches, full-spectrum is generally considered safe. Most wavelengths from full-spectrum lights are not harmful because they can filter out dangerous UV. Thus, it is safe even for kids.

Light Therapy

How Long Does It Take For Light Therapy To Work?

Many people starting light therapy usually respond to the treatment within 3 to 5 days. However, some therapy may take longer. The improvements may be delivered in the following week for those who didn’t see or experience any changes within the first week. But still, it can take longer than that.

Does full-spectrum help with vitamin D?

Yes. Some full-spectrum light bulbs can help synthesize vitamin D, particularly those with ultraviolet B (UVB). Full-spectrum light bulbs that generate around 290 and 315 nm UVB help our skin produce vitamin D.

What color is the full-spectrum light?

Full-spectrum lights appear blue or white-colored and simulate natural light to the human eye. These high color-spectrum sources have a CRI of around 80 and 90.

Is LED Full Spectrum?

Not all LED lights are full spectrum; it depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. However, most LED manufacturers produce LEDs with full-spectrum lights in various color temperatures.

Is 5000k Full-Spectrum?

The typical full-spectrum light has a color temperature of 6500k to match the natural daylight color. However, 5000k also meets the standard of full-spectrum lights as it can filter out yellow light from ordinary incandescent light. Some people prefer 5000k full-spectrum lights to the higher 6500k.

Are SAD lights for treatment bad for your open eyes?

No. The recommended boxes for SAD are usually safe for the eyes. These lightboxes can filter out harmful UV rays that are dangerous to the eye and the skin.

Can You Wear Glasses During The Treatment?

While there is no reason you cannot wear glass, it is not recommended for SAD treatment. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may decrease the treatment’s effectiveness in achieving optimal results.

Is Therapy Using Red Light A Hoax?

At present, there is still little research data on RLT as an effective treatment process. Although several studies show its potential applications, there is still a need for extensive clinical studies to determine conclusive evidence of its effectiveness.

Can Full Spectrum Rays Cause Skin Cancer?

No. The full-spectrum light design makes it so that it does not expose cancer-causing UV rays directly to the skin. Thus, you can use full-spectrum lights with confidence for an extended time.

Light Therapy

In summary, full-spectrum light therapy is a  primary treatment used by medical health care to control seasonal affective disorder, including winter depression. It mimics natural daylight using full boxes that produce blue or white-colored light.

It is a proven approach to treating SAD that works for most people. This treatment works in conjunction with other primary treatments. The recommendation is to use at least 10,000-lux light box intensity that can filter out harmful UV rays.

Light Therapy Notes

Generally considered safe, although full-spectrum lighting therapy can cause minor side effects like headaches. Recommended lighting treatment boxes for SAD filter out damaging UV rays and are safe for your eyes. Light therapy also protects your skin, so you can rest easily.

If you feel moody or haven’t been sleeping well, it may be time to see yourself in a new light, literally. Light helps regulate the natural rhythms of our body and mind, and not getting enough or the right kind of light can impact our health in surprising ways.

Exposure to this condition can intensify with an increase in exposure to light from our gadget screens and pandemic seclusion. Full-spectrum ray treatment may be the solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of light therapy?

Light therapy encompasses various types, including using light boxes, which are a common method, to address disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or other affective disorders. Research has explored different approaches to minimize side effects and maximize therapeutic benefits.

What disorder is treated with light therapy?

Light therapy is primarily used to treat seasonal affective disorder SAD. The Light box is the most common device used for this purpose, emitting bright light to alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.

Is there any science behind light therapy?

Yes, there is scientific research supporting the efficacy of light therapy, particularly in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder and other affective disorders. Studies have shown that exposure to bright light can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood.

How long should you do light therapy?

The recommended duration for light therapy can vary depending on the specific disorder being treated and the intensity of the light used. Typically, daily sessions of 20-30 minutes in the morning are advised for individuals with SAD or other affective disorders.

What are the benefits of light therapy?

Light therapy offers several benefits, including the alleviation of symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other affective disorders. It can also help regulate circadian rhythms, improve overall mood and mental health, and enhance well-being.

Does light therapy help anxiety?

Light therapy has shown promise in helping to manage anxiety, although its effectiveness may vary from person to person. Research in this area is ongoing, and further studies are needed to fully understand the extent to which light therapy can help with anxiety.

How often should you do light therapy?

How long does bright light therapy take to work?

How does light therapy affect the brain?

Which type of light therapy is best?

Source: rawpixel.com

A young man’s death by suicide startled entire Arizona in 1998. He was a sophomore at the University of Arizona. During that time, schools and colleges were short of mental health help and guidance. The entire country was struggling to reach out to students who were suffering from depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health problems.

Forward to today, as the current pandemic interferes and produces significant anxiety and stress to each of our daily lives, it has undoubtedly aggravated prevailing mental health problems among old and young people, a lot of whom have had to crawl to return to their homes or even find homes after abrupt campus lockdowns that needed adapting quickly to homeschooling or distance learning tools and settings. This is truly a devastating shift for students. But the ways that people from college communities reach out to each other during these times can definitely help deal with this young generation’s mental health, subsequently facilitating to lower the risks of suicide.

Solitude and seclusion – both of which can increase in this period of required physical distancing – are relevant risk factors for mental wellness challenges, along with suicidal behavioral patterns. Studies have shown that strong supportive connections and feelings of togetherness to fellow students, friends, family members, and teachers are efficient defensive factors that can significantly reduce the risk for self-harm and improve emotional wellness.

University programs worldwide have worked with schools to help them utilize an evidence-based strategy for suicide prevention and mental health improvement. This strategy may play a vital role in developing a culture of compassion and a safety net for students’ mental health. It entails establishing mental health as a top priority and executing an interdisciplinary leadership group that comprises students, teachers, and administrators. This group manages the progress and expansion of a broad plan for supporting students’ mental health and decreasing the risks for suicide and substance abuse.

Source: rawpixel.com

More and more students are currently remotely engaged and are continually doing so throughout the end of the year, perhaps beyond this year. It is crucial to implement additional methods of creating effective approaches for student learning and mental health maintenance and improvement.

We suggest that universities and colleges aim to:

Encourage Social Bonds. The requirement for physical distancing doesn’t literally mean the loss of social connections. Teach the students to cultivate their friendships and keep in close contact remotely with their schoolmates and classmates. Some channels for building social bonds may include online study partners and study groups. Students may stay connected with their clubs and online networks and even join college-launched online social events. Teachers may also be there to support the students remotely.

Identify Who Are At Risk. Schools must recognize which students are at risk of having mental health conditions or suicidal behaviors. When keeping in touch with students through phone, text, email, or social media platforms, teachers and administrators can implement active listening concepts. If a student states a concern, be there to listen on all three levels – what the issue is about, how they are actually feeling, and how they respond to the situation. Ensure that teachers and students know where to go if they happen to identify fellow students who have developed depression or frustration. Additionally, schools can provide tips and recommendations to families on how they will know if their kids are in need of mental health support.

Improve On Help-Finding Behaviors. Young students who require help but are hesitant or uncertain about getting it might find it harder now to find support and get the care they need. In this unfamiliar environment, counseling facilities can launch virtual discussion clusters (also known as e-counseling), particularly for students, so they can have a go-to if they want to talk about something that’s worrying them.

School faculty and other staff can also keep track and reply to posts that college students share on social media. Encourage students to bond and connect online. This will allow them to share their questions and feelings that faculty members might not respond to right away.

Source: rawpixel.com

Conclusion

Are you worried about a student? Don’t hesitate to ask him through a private message. “Are you feeling fine?” Find a specific reason why you are asking the question, like, “You seem unusually quiet today.” You should also know which agencies or groups to refer students who need support or other types of help. Also, make sure that these students know where to go or whom to call when they feel anxious, worried, or afraid that they might harm themselves.

Taking this mental health crisis in a broader scope will help develop a protective space for struggling students to live through these current difficulties. Mental health should be everyone’s concern, most especially now that we adapt to the fast-changing circumstances.

It has been a breeze to teach my child how to use a smartphone. If I’m honest, I don’t think I have given them a proper lesson. One day, I’m helping them click the videos they want to watch on YouTube. The next day, they can already open my phone, find the app, and look for their favorite clips.

However, the same cannot be said for my parents, who were both in their mid-60s. Out of all the things that they could want last Christmas, they asked for iPhones. Mom said, “My friends at the senior center were brandishing their new smartphones. Perhaps it’s not too late for us to get them, too.”

My sister supported the idea 100%, but I didn’t. She was only cool with it because she would go away once the holiday season was over. As for me, I would be left to teach our elderly parents how to use their iPhones. And I already knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Still, for the sake of my two favorite seniors in the world, I thought of how I teach them how to operate a smartphone.

Set Up The Apps Accordingly

When the iPhones arrived, I let my parents took them out of their boxes and inspect the gadgets. They turned them up and down and side to side, reveling at how sleek and slim they looked. When they asked me to open the devices for them, I took the smartphones out of their grasps to set them up first.

I may have done things differently and merely guided them through the setup process, but my folks had no idea what to do. Even if they could see the screen options, they were too scared to mess up or, worse, break their iPhones.

Once the phones had been registered to Apple, I created two different folders on each gadget. One of them contained the apps for contacts, text messages, calls, alarms, gallery, camera, and other miscellaneous items. The other was filled with Spotify, Facebook, YouTube, FaceTime, and more “fun” applications.

Some might think that it was overkill, but taking this extra step meant that the elderly would only need to focus on two folders instead of flipping through different slides. That would have made my parents’ heads spin.

Make Your Explanations As Simple As Possible

Since we got them the same model that I used, it was easy to hand the smartphones back to my parents as I held my device for proper presentation. After figuring out which hand was more comfortable holding the new gadget, I proceeded to teach them the basics. E.g., turning on the phone, finding a contact to text or call, and using FaceTime.

We spent an hour doing those three things, but I took that as a win. The lesson time shortened because I tried to explain everything in the simplest possible way. It could have taken us all day, primarily if I used all the technical terms.

On the second day of our iPhone 101, my folks wanted to learn how to play music and videos and take pictures, so that’s what we did. I also gave them a list of the apps found in separate folders to look for them on their own. On the same day, they managed to video chat with my sister and see and play their theme song via Spotify.

Try Not To Get Frustrated When The Ask The Same Questions One Too Many Times

The thing I dreaded happened not too long after our first lesson. I came home from work and noticed that my parents’ car was parked at the curb. When I stepped into the living room, they greeted me quickly before telling me that neither could turn on their iPhone. So, I showed them how it’s done. Some days later, I found them waiting at home for me again. This time, they asked me to help them reply to a friend’s text message.

Did I feel frustrated? Of course! Mom and Dad bombarded me with similar questions in the next few weeks. Sometimes, they would even call our landline phone in the middle of the night to ask how to do this or that, as if we had never gone over it before.

Despite that, I never expressed my frustration with my parents. I figured that getting mad at them for something this small could make them feel bad and rejected. Thus, I created a detailed booklet for them, complete with the images on their screen when they clicked the right things. It seemed to help because the calls I received significantly reduced after that.

Final Thoughts

Elderly parents want to feel like a sense of belonging in a world where everyone’s nose is almost touching the screens of various gadgets. If your folks want to learn how to use a smartphone, there’s no valid reason for you not to do it. After all, giving them a crash course to iPhone usage is nothing compared to everything they have done in your favor while you’re growing up.

Source: wallpaperflare.com

As the coronavirus started to proliferate, schools immediately closed, shutting down facilities and moving classes online. This led to a lot of parents to play a new role – as a teacher.

With over 50,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States, governments have implemented social distancing measures and stay-at-home guidelines. Some officials in the government have announced that schools will remain closed until spring, while others have already continued their summer classes online, anticipating the probability of remote instructions for the fall season. Amidst the pandemic, the necessity for children and adults to be educated at all levels persists.

Many families right now are assisting their kids’ homeschooling. With this, they must keep in touch with their current school. It is true, though, that not all schools are reasonably capable of providing remote learning, which may add to the challenges that parents are facing with their K-12 students. Also, some of these students do not have Internet access in their homes or to any electronic devices for homework.

Source: freepik.com

Bearing in mind the daunting situation that parents are now finding themselves in, they, along with some researchers, reached out to educators to better understand the different strategies to homeschool for the short and long terms.

Short-term Strategy

Educators agree that what students across the country are experiencing now is not the conventional homeschooling setup, and they would rather call it ‘schooling at home.’ Instead of abiding with the strategies created by parents, students are following the guidance from their corresponding schools via online learning, while lesson plans are brought home. But despite the guidance, managing the K-12 arena can be exasperating for parents. It does take a lot of patience, according to most parents that were interviewed about how they were doing and feeling about the whole thing. It is truly understandable, as they are not only parents, but they’ve also become substitute teachers.

Long-term Strategy

Parents who have been contemplating homeschooling after the pandemic has subsided must comprehend the tremendous commitment needed. In the first place, they must be willing to invest their time and effort, just as these are the virtues that you are asking from a private or public school teacher. What’s another important thing here? Organization.

Source: booktrust.org.uk

Josh, a student we will use as a sample, has a school schedule that starts at 6 AM, beginning with breakfast. He then starts his school with the math subject, with his mom concentrating on teaching the subject to him and his younger sister. His lessons would often get done by lunchtime. For supplementation, his parents enrolled him in activities like dancing and joining interesting clubs where he can interact with other students. Josh says that as long as his schoolwork and other classes are done, he can have the rest of the day all to himself.

This is a long-term approach for parents. Educators state that families must try to understand educational requirements and create a plan that encompasses several years of school. They also need to think about the outcomes and what they want their children to do after high school graduation. Parents should recognize their children’s strengths and weaknesses to encourage them to do better and pursue what they’re really best at.

Parents opt for homeschooling programs for several reasons. A study published last month revealed that in 2012, more than 90% of parents who homeschooled their children were anxious about the environment in terms of drugs, safety, or negative peer influence. Another 64% requested for more lessons on morals and religion. Other reasons had kids with disabilities or mental and emotional problems.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

These reasons reflect the unclear outcomes for homeschooling programs. It is possible, though opinions of both critics and the supporters are true. Some students do not succeed when they are homeschooled. Ultimately, the end game for providing their students with an effective and safe homeschool experience boils down to the parents’ commitment.

This huge transition in routine can take a massive toll on parents’ well-being, which online counseling apps like BetterHelp can address. They also have social media extensions, which both kids and parents can benefit from.

Homeschooling is also a job. If parents are willing to be the teacher and instructor, then they must make time to educate.