[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":336},["ShallowReactive",2],{"slug-will-medical-workers-deal-with-ptsd-after-covid-19":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":190,"relatedBooks":335},{"id":5,"date":6,"date_gmt":7,"guid":8,"modified":10,"modified_gmt":11,"slug":12,"status":13,"type":14,"link":15,"title":16,"content":18,"excerpt":21,"author":23,"featured_media":24,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":29,"categories":30,"tags":35,"project_category":46,"contact_email_category":48,"yst_prominent_words":49,"class_list":70,"better_featured_image":92,"acf":126,"yoast_meta":135,"_links":137},27741,"2020-04-28T10:00:00","2020-04-28T08:00:00",{"rendered":9},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=27741&_wpnonce=94533367b1&status=auto-draft&type=post","2021-01-21T09:57:06","2021-01-21T08:57:06","will-medical-workers-deal-with-ptsd-after-covid-19","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwill-medical-workers-deal-with-ptsd-after-covid-19",{"rendered":17},"Will Medical Workers Deal With PTSD After COVID-19?",{"rendered":19,"protected":20},"\n\u003Cp>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly linked with war veterans. This mental health condition however can be triggered by suffering or witnessing any terrifying event like accidents, natural disasters,  violent experience – or a disastrous pandemic. It comes as no surprise that medical health professionals and other people in the frontline of the fight against coronavirus are expected to have a surge in trauma-related illnesses, particularly PTSD. Beside protecting and helping personnel physically as well as mentally, there are also digital health solutions that can come to the rescue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A Canadian \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhospitalnews.com\u002Fptsd-in-healthcare-professionals\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">research\u003C\u002Fa> on PTSD among nurses estimated a prevalence of as high as 40 percent. With COVID-19, these numbers will surely rise, and not only in the Great White North. There’s a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fnews-room\u002Fdetail\u002F03-03-2020-shortage-of-personal-protective-equipment-endangering-health-workers-worldwide\" target=\"_blank\">shortage\u003C\u002Fa> of protective equipment for hospital workers practically all over the world, and although the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"cheering (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F5807592\u002Feuropeans-sing-coronavirus-healthcare-workers\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">cheering\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F5807592\u002Feuropeans-sing-coronavirus-healthcare-workers\u002F\"> of the crowds\u003C\u002Fa> may sound elevating, that won’t ease the fear and anxiety these people have every time they enter the hospitals. Experiencing the everyday horror of the virus, the death toll it takes and the loss of medical staff and others in the frontline further elevates the stress levels, adding further tension to this high-pressure job. And there’s also the fear of working next to fellow staff members who might be COVID-19 positive.\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FMGH-Nurse-768x513.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28835\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FMGH-Nurse-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FMGH-Nurse.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: Time.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>At first Chinese nurses \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.boredpanda.com\u002Fchinese-nurses-face-masks-corona-virus\u002F?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">shared their pictures\u003C\u002Fa> of the marks their protective gears had left on their faces. In Italy, there’s a regularly updated \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fportale.fnomceo.it\u002Felenco-dei-medici-caduti-nel-corso-dellepidemia-di-covid-19\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">website\u003C\u002Fa> listing the names of the doctors who have died of coronavirus infection. As of mid-April, the number stands at 131. It sounds incredibly weird that these people need to use the media and the social channels to try to push their governments to protect them while saving lives. In fact, ten Californian nurses \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fworld\u002F2020\u002Fapr\u002F16\u002Fsanta-monica-nurses-suspended-n95-masks-coronavirus\">have just been suspended\u003C\u002Fa> for refusing to work without proper protective equipment. Theresa Fyffe, director of the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fuk-england-52165167\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">recently said\u003C\u002Fa>, summing it up, that it is “inevitable” more health workers will die from coronavirus. That’s not very comforting for medical staff dealing with this highly contagious illness with no known cure yet. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Protection inside and out\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To protect hospital staff from PTSD, people first need to feel protected physically. “It is vitally important to provide high quality protective equipment for frontline staff,” \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fnews\u002Fuk-northern-ireland-52245997\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">pressed\u003C\u002Fa> Dr. Michael Duffy, who has been at the forefront of work in trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for 22 years. Without the sense of safety and security, he added, staff will not be able to cope with the psychological challenges their job brings about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But even with all the gears available, medical professionals can’t be saved from the trauma they directly experience, and the consequences are long-term. Many countries therefore have already set up helplines for medical staff to call for support if they feel they need it. In China, the hotline is operated with counselors all over the world. A psychotherapist from Washington who volunteered for the line mentioned \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pri.org\u002Fstories\u002F2020-02-27\u002Fhotline-aims-help-exhausted-health-care-workers-fighting-covid-19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">in an interview\u003C\u002Fa> that “some of the calls that we’re getting are of health workers being very stressed out, very exhausted. (…) Some people were suicidal when they were on the phone because they’re so stressed out.” So how can health workers be given a mental break? \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FETc_bO-WAAUTWRm-768x511.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28837\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FETc_bO-WAAUTWRm-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FETc_bO-WAAUTWRm.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Photo: Paolo Miranda https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fpaolomiranda86\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The need to talk\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>After making sure people working on the frontline are all given the necessary equipment, they must also be given straight, clear and honest communication. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bmj.com\u002Fcontent\u002F368\u002Fbmj.m1211\" target=\"_blank\">In an article\u003C\u002Fa> in the British Medical Journal, Neil Greenberg, professor of defence mental health and his colleagues set out measures that healthcare managers need to put in place to protect the mental health of healthcare staff having to make morally challenging decisions. They include that hospital management must be clear and frank about the situation with the staff, with honesty about what they are going to face. The staff should be supported by mental healthcare professionals available for calls\u002Fother forms of early support, who can check on staff’s wellbeing regularly. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, many institutions fail to communicate with the staff properly, leading to even worst cases of mental health issues and feelings of isolation. The WHO put together a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fdocs\u002Fdefault-source\u002Fcoronaviruse\u002Fmental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">brief on mental health\u003C\u002Fa> considerations during COVID-19, with separate sections of messages to the general public, healthcare workers and team leaders or managers in health facilities. The organisation here also recommends to ensure that good quality communication and accurate information updates are provided to all staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And sometimes people just need a simple solution. Staff at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftwitter.com\u002Fmiss_pilling\u002Fstatus\u002F1243480447738425349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1243480447738425349&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Frcni.com%2Fnursing-standard%2Ffeatures%2Fhow-covid-19-affecting-nurses-mental-health-and-what-to-do-about-it-159456\" target=\"_blank\">allocate a room\u003C\u002Fa> each day where they can go to share worries, say it out loud, have a little cry, shout or scream – or just sit quietly. Restoring your mental wellbeing begins with a simple step, and such solutions should be available everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002FEUG638jWoAAHLNu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28839\"\u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftwitter.com\u002Fmiss_pilling\">https:\u002F\u002Ftwitter.com\u002Fmiss_pilling\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Technology to the rescue? Online counseling, telehealth and other digital resources\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Digital therapeutic apps and solutions are also there to support medical staff in dealing with the trauma. To start with the most advanced solutions, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-does-medical-virtual-reality-make-healthcare-more-pleasant\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">medical virtual reality\u003C\u002Fa> is already used in helping overcome stress and fears. Psychologists have \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F220420035_Overcoming_Phobias_by_Virtual_Exposure\" target=\"_blank\">positive results\u003C\u002Fa> with overcoming fears and phobias with VR, and the results are also convincing \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nbcnews.com\u002Fmach\u002Finnovation\u002Fhow-virtual-reality-helping-heal-soldiers-ptsd-n733816\" target=\"_blank\">regarding PTSD\u003C\u002Fa>. The virtual version of the exposure therapy that is often used trying to help people with PTSD-symptoms can reduce the fear by helping overcome the avoidance behaviour under controlled circumstances. Hopefully these digital solutions will soon be more widely available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"760\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F1_6-n9A1YS8nbi_00pSo5Vpg.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28841\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F1_6-n9A1YS8nbi_00pSo5Vpg.png 760w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F1_6-n9A1YS8nbi_00pSo5Vpg-370x208.png 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhaptic.al\u002F\">https:\u002F\u002Fhaptic.al\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Alongside a national hotline for healthcare workers, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.england.nhs.uk\u002F2020\u002F04\u002Fnhs-launches-mental-health-hotline-for-staff-tackling-covid-19\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">NHS England\u003C\u002Fa> has partnered with three companies specialized in meditation, to offer a suite of apps for no charge to assist staff with their mental health. These will help staff in need of help with ways to battle anxiety, relax, and also help with sleep problems. UK-based startup \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhome.unmind.com\u002F\">UnMind\u003C\u002Fa> provides a platform for workplace mental health, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.headspace.com\u002F\">Headspace\u003C\u002Fa> is specializing in meditation, while \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bighealth.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Big Health\u003C\u002Fa> offers a digital sleep improvement program to help overcome poor sleep without pills. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the United States \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.talkspace.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Talkspace\u003C\u002Fa>, an online and mobile therapy company from New York announced that it will donate 1,000 months of free online therapy to medical workers all over the U.S. who are helping respond to the COVID-19 crisis. What’s more, the company also \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fapnews.com\u002FBusiness%20Wire\u002F53d04b6cdd4a4832bb13547662a42561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">called on its network\u003C\u002Fa> of thousands of therapy providers to donate their time for additional free services to medical personnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>All around the world universities, institutions and even private companies are providing free mental health and wellbeing solutions as well as counseling for medical staff. The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpsychiatry.ucsf.edu\u002Fcoronavirus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">University of California\u003C\u002Fa> in San Francisco created a whole set of online support, webinars, list of apps, handbooks and advice. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.unchealthcare.org\u002Fwellbeing\u002Ftoolkit\u002Ftoolkit-overview\u002Fmental-healthemotional-support-resources-for-co-workers-and-prov\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">UNC Health\u003C\u002Fa> also offers online help and its database, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) has a complete \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fistss.org\u002Fpublic-resources\u002Fcovid-19-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">digital toolkit\u003C\u002Fa> called Emotional Coping for Healthcare Staff, along with live Q&A sessions and telehealth resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F111442630_hi060824983.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28843\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F111442630_hi060824983.jpg 410w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F06\u002F111442630_hi060824983-370x208.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: BBC.co.uk\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The question is, will medical staff have the energy to open and use these apps after long shifts and exhausting experiences? Digital technology in this case only works if staff also receive the human support: be it a family member or a colleague in a buddy-system, somebody eventually must be there. These are definitely difficult times we are currently living in. Doctors, nurses and medical personnel are in the first line of trenches, taking care of all in need. We as a society must ensure they are also being taken care of, for we are in these trenches together. Not just now, but in the months to come, when we will already have forgotten the horror we saw on TV, but they will see it every night behind their closed eyelids. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>So keep up the evening cheers, let’s show them our appreciation now. But let’s not forget this once all this is over.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",false,{"rendered":22,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Medical health professionals and other people in the frontline on the fight against coronavirus are expected to have a surge in trauma-related illnesses, particularly PTSD.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,27757,"closed",true,"","standard",{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[31,32,33,34],6479,496,494,514,[36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45],1008,3085,1338,207,1549,365,420,445,898,3083,[47],950,[],[50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69],3803,3603,3805,3605,3807,1559,3609,1569,3739,1571,3741,1583,3755,1681,3757,1723,3759,3075,3761,3801,[71,14,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91],"post-27741","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-covid-19","category-health-sensors-trackers","category-telemedicine","category-virtual-reality","tag-medical-professionals","tag-covid19","tag-digital-healthcare","tag-digital-health","tag-coronavirus","tag-ptsd","tag-stress","tag-virtual-reality","tag-stress-management","tag-covid","project_category-medical-professionals",{"id":24,"alt_text":93,"caption":93,"description":94,"media_type":95,"media_details":96,"post":124,"source_url":125},"COVID-19 Takes a Toll on People in the Frontline","Can medical professionals be saved from the trauma they experience?","image",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":99,"sizes":100,"image_meta":122},1920,1080,"2020\u002F04\u002F162_tmf-01-1.png",{"medium":101,"large":107,"thumbnail":112,"medium_large":116,"1536x1536":117},{"file":102,"width":103,"height":104,"mime-type":105,"source_url":106},"162_tmf-01-1-370x208.png","370","208","image\u002Fpng","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F04\u002F162_tmf-01-1-370x208.png",{"file":108,"width":109,"height":110,"mime-type":105,"source_url":111},"162_tmf-01-1-768x432.png","768","432","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F04\u002F162_tmf-01-1-768x432.png",{"file":113,"width":114,"height":114,"mime-type":105,"source_url":115},"162_tmf-01-1-150x150.png","150","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F04\u002F162_tmf-01-1-150x150.png",{"file":108,"width":109,"height":110,"mime-type":105,"source_url":111},{"file":118,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":105,"source_url":121},"162_tmf-01-1-1536x864.png","1536","864","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F04\u002F162_tmf-01-1-1536x864.png",{"aperture":123,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":123,"copyright":27,"focal_length":123,"iso":123,"shutter_speed":123,"title":27,"orientation":123},"0",27729,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F04\u002F162_tmf-01-1.png",{"cta_type":127,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":128,"related_posts_footer":131,"related_posts":20},"subscribe",[129,130],25985,24757,[132,133,134],17731,24182,17801,{"yoast_wpseo_title":136,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":27,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":15},"Will Medical Workers Deal With PTSD After COVID-19? - The Medical Futurist",{"self":138,"collection":144,"about":147,"author":150,"replies":153,"version-history":156,"predecessor-version":160,"wp:featuredmedia":164,"wp:attachment":167,"wp:term":170,"curies":186},[139],{"href":140,"targetHints":141},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F27741",{"allow":142},[143],"GET",[145],{"href":146},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[148],{"href":149},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[151],{"embeddable":26,"href":152},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[154],{"embeddable":26,"href":155},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=27741",[157],{"count":158,"href":159},10,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F27741\u002Frevisions",[161],{"id":162,"href":163},28845,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F27741\u002Frevisions\u002F28845",[165],{"embeddable":26,"href":166},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F27757",[168],{"href":169},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=27741",[171,174,177,180,183],{"taxonomy":172,"embeddable":26,"href":173},"category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=27741",{"taxonomy":175,"embeddable":26,"href":176},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=27741",{"taxonomy":178,"embeddable":26,"href":179},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=27741",{"taxonomy":181,"embeddable":26,"href":182},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=27741",{"taxonomy":184,"embeddable":26,"href":185},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=27741",[187],{"name":188,"href":189,"templated":26},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",[191],{"id":134,"date":192,"date_gmt":193,"guid":194,"modified":196,"modified_gmt":197,"slug":198,"status":13,"type":14,"link":199,"title":200,"content":202,"excerpt":204,"author":23,"featured_media":206,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":207,"categories":208,"tags":209,"project_category":218,"contact_email_category":222,"yst_prominent_words":223,"class_list":230,"better_featured_image":243,"acf":279,"yoast_meta":291,"_links":294},"2021-11-09T10:07:00","2021-11-09T09:07:00",{"rendered":195},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=17801","2021-11-15T10:48:17","2021-11-15T09:48:17","improve-mental-health-with-technology","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fimprove-mental-health-with-technology",{"rendered":201},"How Can You Improve Your Mental Health With Technology",{"rendered":203,"protected":20},"\n\u003Cp>Technology and mental well-being might seem like profoundly antagonistic terms. However, there are excellent digital tools to help you reach mindfulness and to practice meditation. You can even use smartphone apps, virtual reality solutions and digital devices as a form of relieving stressing and achieving digital detox – as, after a while, you will be able to practice all types of anti-anxiety skills on your own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>During the pandemic many organisations have warned to prepare of the biggest wave of all – a state we called “\u003Cem>depidemic\u003C\u002Fem>” \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fa-deeper-look-into-telepsychology-during-covid-19-it-all-depends-how-you-look-at-it\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">in our related article\u003C\u002Fa>. A worldwide scale of anxiety, loneliness and fear, associated with worrying about the virus, unemployment, social isolation and uncertainty added up to a mental state. It affects people of all ages from early childhood to the elderly, and if it can be fought and how depends on a wide range of social and psychological factors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002FEZlU9iNXkAMXch1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36801\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002FEZlU9iNXkAMXch1-1.jpg 680w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002FEZlU9iNXkAMXch1-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Still, there are certain digital solutions that can be of help and support to anyone. These are not replacing therapy sessions for those who need it; however, can offer supplementary support to it. Let us show you how you can enhance your mental and emotional health with the help of technology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Related articles\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fa-deeper-look-into-telepsychology-during-covid-19-it-all-depends-how-you-look-at-it\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Telepsychology During COVID-19: It All Depends On How You Look At It\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwe-used-3-devices-for-meditation-heres-what-we-found\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">We Used 3 Devices For Meditation – Here’s What We Found\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fposts\u002Fmaking-you-more-50339540\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Music Makes You 200% More Productive – Our Patreon Interview With Will Henshall, Founder of Focus@Will\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The need for taking care of our emotional health\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“\u003Cem>Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being,\u003C\u002Fem>” – WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on World Mental Health Day last year.  Mental health, or emotional hygiene has been thrown into the shade over the past years and that stigma only changes slowly. Somehow, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.washingtonpost.com\u002Fopinions\u002Fwhy-being-too-busy-makes-us-feel-so-good\u002F2014\u002F03\u002F14\u002Fc098f6c8-9e81-11e3-a050-dc3322a94fa7_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.dee9470b6116\">the culture of \u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.washingtonpost.com\u002Fopinions\u002Fwhy-being-too-busy-makes-us-feel-so-good\u002F2014\u002F03\u002F14\u002Fc098f6c8-9e81-11e3-a050-dc3322a94fa7_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.dee9470b6116\" target=\"_blank\">busyness\u003C\u002Fa> prevents us from squeezing some time for mental health into our packed schedules. Information is pouring on us from millions of communication channels; we are connecting with hundreds of ‘friends’ on social media, we are obsessed with data\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F4358140\u002Fovercome-fomo\u002F\"> and time management slices up our days into meetings and to-do lists\u003C\u002Fa>. That has to end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The pressure to perform and the stress to achieve is the air every busy-bee is breathing. However, turbulent lifestyle comes with a price. No wonder so many people have mental health issues. In the US, that means one in five adults – \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.mentalhealthamerica.net\u002Fissues\u002Fstate-mental-health-america\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more than 40 million Americans\u003C\u002Fa>! \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nami.org\u002Fmhstats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One in six\u003C\u002Fa> U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. In Europe \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.euro.who.int\u002Fen\u002Fhealth-topics\u002Fnoncommunicable-diseases\u002Fmental-health\u002Fdata-and-resources\">27 percent of the population has to cope with mental \u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.euro.who.int\u002Fen\u002Fhealth-topics\u002Fnoncommunicable-diseases\u002Fmental-health\u002Fdata-and-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">disorders\u003C\u002Fa>, which means 83 million struggling Europeans. In Asia, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsocial.eyeforpharma.com\u002Fcolumn\u002Fout-shadows-mental-health-asia-pacific\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prevalence of depression is 20 percent in Thailand\u003C\u002Fa>, 19.9 percent in Taiwan, 19.4 percent in Korea, 17.5 in Malaysia and 16.5 percent in China.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Children are among \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fepi.org.uk\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F01\u002FEPI-PT_Young-people%E2%80%99s-wellbeing_Jan2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the hardest hit by the pandemic\u003C\u002Fa>. 9.7% of youth in the U.S. have \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mhanational.org\u002Fissues\u002Fstate-mental-health-america\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">severe major depression\u003C\u002Fa>, compared to 9.2% last year. In Spain and Italy\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F340763347_Immediate_psychological_effects_of_the_COVID-19_quarantine_in_youth_from_Italy_and_Spain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 86% of parents reported\u003C\u002Fa> changes in their children, such as difficulty concentrating and spending more time online. In the U.S., one child under 13 died of suicide nearly every five days, during \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fedition.cnn.com\u002F2017\u002F08\u002F14\u002Fhealth\u002Fchild-suicides\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">an examined 17 year\u003C\u002Fa> period – before COVID even appeared. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F5921715\u002Findigenous-youth-suicide-covid-19\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Numbers rose\u003C\u002Fa> ever since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fshutterstock_619960997_360000-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36803\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fshutterstock_619960997_360000-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fshutterstock_619960997_360000-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fshutterstock_619960997_360000-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fshutterstock_619960997_360000.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: Shutterstock\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Could technology help our quest for mindfulness and mental health?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>One of the essential components of mental wellbeing is mindfulness; the way of being present in the moment and acknowledging ourselves and our environment as it is. Not as it should be or shouldn’t be, but exactly as it is.\u003C\u002Fstrong> As \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhbr.org\u002F2014\u002F03\u002Fmindfulness-in-the-age-of-complexity\">Ellen Langer, psychology professor dealing with mindfulness for over four decades\u003C\u002Fa>, put it, if you are mindful, “\u003Cem>it’s easier to pay attention.\u003C\u002Fem> You remember more of what you’ve done. You’re more creative. You’re able to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. You avert the danger not yet arisen.” She added, that regarding technology, multitasking or information, the important thing is how they are dealt with, how they are taken in – and not the fact that they currently have a strong presence in our everyday lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Technology is often linked to \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.digitalresponsibility.org\u002Fhealth-and-technology\u002F\">issues such as distraction, narcissism, expectation of instant gratification – and even depression\u003C\u002Fa>, it may sound bizarre at first, but help might actually come from technology. However,  \u003Cstrong>the use of the tools of modern life are not necessarily “our enemies” in the search for mental wellbeing. In fact, they can become our helpers if used wisely\u003C\u002Fstrong>. Here are the ones The Medical Futurist recommends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Stress management and meditation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So how could a technological tool help manage stress which is induced partly by technologies? In The Medical Futurist’s experience, \u003Cstrong>you cannot really meditate or de-stress effectively with technology on the long-run. However, it is an excellent tool for taking the first steps.\u003C\u002Fstrong> It could work similarly to addictions: it might be easier for a technological society to get used to the idea of mediation and effective stress management through another digital tool, used less and less until completely losing it in the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1\u003Cstrong>) \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.choosemuse.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Muse headband\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Cstrong>brain sensing headband helps you get the most out of your meditation practice\u003C\u002Fstrong> by giving you real-time biofeedback about what is going on in your mind. The Muse is not some dystopian headset trying to alter your brain. Instead its makers, InteraXon want to train you to modify it yourself. The routine is simple. You put the Muse headset on, you complete the breathing exercises to the sound of waves (neutral), storms (bad) and tweeting birds (good) which indicate how focused and calm you are. If your mind is too active, the Muse gives you feedback to help you clear your thoughts. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fbrain-sensing-tech-support-to-mindfulness-the-muse-review\" target=\"_blank\">This is our review using Muse.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>After many months of using the Muse, I decided to continue my meditation sessions without its help, but the immediate feedback taught me when I’m genuinely relaxed, and it was useful to listen to my brain activities in real-time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"384\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FIMG_6657-384x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22129\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FIMG_6657-384x512.jpg 384w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FIMG_6657-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F10\u002FIMG_6657.jpg 653w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2) \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.calm.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Calm\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>App of the year in 2017, Calm has taken the world by the storm. Within you can \u003Cstrong>learn how to be mindful, have breathing sessions to relax your mind and body, listen to calming bedtime stories before you go to sleep or watch smoothing nature scenes any time\u003C\u002Fstrong> during the day whenever you feel it’s necessary. The app also offers a large variety of meditations, such as body scan, walking, guided or unguided sessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Calm App\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FfTQ9CRl_XPM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3) \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.headspace.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Headspace\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The meditation app that has its own series on \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=H77PL7SlI1M\" target=\"_blank\">Netflix\u003C\u002Fa> and is offered as \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftechcrunch.com\u002F2021\u002F10\u002F12\u002Fwaze-is-rolling-out-a-new-drive-with-headspace-experience-to-make-commutes-less-stressful\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">support during driving through Waze\u003C\u002Fa>, is the best choice for anyone who wants to learn how to meditate and how to release stress even after a busy day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The daily guide only takes 10 minutes, helps focus and release anxiety, master meditation. If you get used to it, it will even help you form a beneficial habit. It has hundreds of themed sessions; you can use \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fastcompany.com\u002F40561636\u002Fsix-apps-to-help-you-de-stress\">reminders or practice your weak points\u003C\u002Fa>. It’s an instant get for your mental wellbeing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Headspace Guide To Meditation | Official Trailer | Netflix\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FH77PL7SlI1M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4) \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=org.t2health.breathe2relax&hl=en\" target=\"_blank\">Breath2Relax app\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Many mental health experts consider \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fmy.clevelandclinic.org\u002Fdisorders\u002Fchronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease_copd\u002Fhic_diaphragmatic_breathing.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">diaphragmatic breathing\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Cstrong>deep belly breathing\u003C\u002Fstrong> one of the most useful tools for stress relief. \u003Cstrong>This app helps users learn this stress management skill to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight\u003C\u002Fstrong>‘\u003Cstrong> response\u003C\u002Fstrong>, and helps with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fadaa.org\u002Ffinding-help\u002Fmobile-apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anxiety and Depression Association of America\u003C\u002Fa> rated the app as very good, which is a great sign. It was developed by a branch of the US military, the \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ft2health.dcoe.mil\u002Fapps\u002Fbreathe2relax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Defense Health Agency\u003C\u002Fa> and was initially designed for the military community. If it works for soldiers who are constantly thrown in highly stressful situations, it should work for civilians as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-17808\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fbreath2relax-1.png\" alt=\"mental health with technology\" class=\"wp-image-17808\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fbreath2relax-1.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fbreath2relax-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fbreath2relax-1-512x384.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fbreath2relax-1-333x250.png 333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: www.learningworksforkids.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5) \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.focusatwill.com\u002F\">Focus@Will music service\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Did you notice that you can concentrate on your work assignments, on your thesis writing process or your creative work better when listening to music? The Los Angeles based company, Focus@Will, established in 2012 offers \u003Cstrong>a unique service for people who already know their attention is only flawless when the right music is on.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Based on research in neuroscience, Focus@Will promises to determine your personality type through a couple of test questions; then it will offer the appropriate music genre to improve your focus. According to their survey of 22,000 active users, focus time increased more than 200-400 percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fposts\u002F50339540\" target=\"_blank\">We talked with\u003C\u002Fa> Focus@Will’s founder and CEO Will Hanshall for our Patreon page earlier this year, and he added “\u003Cem>our music is crafted to balance your mind between distraction and habituation, keeping you focused on your work.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Chillout Music for Study • Work • Focus • Concentration • 1 Hour\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F5OGJRx76zLY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>7) \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.exploredeep.com\u002F#about-deep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deep\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.exploredeep.com\u002F#about-deep\"> virtual reality app\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Imagine that you are walking underwater: your body becomes light and translucent, your steps slower and more theatrical. The whole world seems to slow down with you. Now, imagine this scene as a point for meditation (except where you have to come to the surface for breathing). That experience is precisely what \u003Cstrong>Deep is offering you with the help of virtual reality – excluding disturbing real-world conditions.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Game designers, Owen Harris and Niki Smit, developed a VR game, where you control movements through your breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Ftechnology\u002F2015\u002Fmar\u002F16\u002Frezzed-festival-2015-our-favourite-games\">a customized controller strapped around your diaphragm and an Oculus Rift\u003C\u002Fa>, you dictate your movement in a low-poly underwater VR through diaphragmatic breathing. Breath in to gently rise, and out to sink to the seabed. The point is meditative, but shoals of low-poly fish add to the joy of discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DEEP VR\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FqIhZhdmPQ_8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>8) \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oculus.com\u002Fexperiences\u002Fgear-vr\u002F764544883656394\u002F\">Zen Zone virtual reality app\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Zen Zone is another \u003Cstrong>relaxation game designed by Unello Design specifically for VR.\u003C\u002Fstrong> It features two innovative relaxation sessions with beautifully relaxing music, which visualize the body and the breath in ways only possible in VR. You also get the chance to arrange your special “secret garden”, where you might find your inner peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Developer and musician Aaron Lemke leads the Texas-based design studio. Mostly interested in exploring the experiential side of VR, Unello created many of the first relaxation experience available for the Oculus Rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Zen Zone - Gear VR Relaxation\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FY0xNbnvTt0c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>9) Fitbit’s Relax app\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002F02a-relax-app-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17814\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002F02a-relax-app-1024x576.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002F02a-relax-app-1024x576-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002F02a-relax-app-1024x576-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002F02a-relax-app-1024x576-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002F02a-relax-app-1024x576-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ffitbit.com\">Fitbit\u003C\u002Fa> has a Relax app on its Blaze and Ionic models. The app is a \u003Cstrong>breathing exercise that can last for 3 or 5 minutes and is designed to help the user slow down breathing, as well as heart rate.\u003C\u002Fstrong> It’s a quick yet still efficient exercise to find a few minutes of calmness every day. It also shows the progress you have made over time and how much you could reduce your heart rate during the exercise which guarantees that you come back to it day after day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>No matter whether you use devices, apps, virtual reality or any other tools, \u003Cstrong>the important thing is to focus on your mental wellbeing at least once a day. Make time for it, give yourself a couple of minutes and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings.\u003C\u002Fstrong> On the long run, mindfulness and general wellbeing will pay off. As \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhbr.org\u002F2014\u002F03\u002Fmindfulness-in-the-age-of-complexity\">Ellen Langer puts it\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Cem>l\u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cem>ife consists only of moments, nothing more than that. So if you make the moment matter, it all matters. You can be mindful or mindless. You can win, you can lose. The worst case is to be mindless and lose. So when you’re doing anything, be mindful, notice new things, make it meaningful to you, and you’ll prosper.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Feepurl.com\u002FZejiT\">\u003Cb>Subscribe To The Medical Futurist℠ Newsletter\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003Cli>News shaping the future of healthcare\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Advice on taking charge of your health\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Reviews of the latest health technology\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n",{"rendered":205,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Technology and mental well-being might seem like profoundly antagonistic terms. However, there are excellent digital tools to help you reach mindfulness and to practice meditation. […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",17809,{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[32,33,34],[210,211,212,213,214,44,39,215,216,217],894,895,896,897,199,899,289,425,[219,220,221],947,948,951,[],[55,57,59,224,225,226,227,228,229],1587,1597,1719,1725,2563,3485,[231,14,72,73,74,75,76,78,79,80,232,233,234,235,236,89,84,237,238,239,240,241,242],"post-17801","tag-mental-health","tag-mental-wellbeing","tag-emotional","tag-emotional-health","tag-depression","tag-anxiety","tag-innovation","tag-technology-2","project_category-company","project_category-developers","project_category-patients",{"id":206,"alt_text":244,"caption":27,"description":245,"media_type":95,"media_details":246,"post":134,"source_url":278},"TMF, mental health with technology","TMF",{"width":247,"height":248,"file":249,"sizes":250,"image_meta":276},870,489,"2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció.png",{"medium":251,"large":256,"thumbnail":261,"medium_large":265,"large_old_512x288":266,"medium_old_444x250":271},{"file":252,"width":253,"height":254,"mime-type":105,"source_url":255},"meditáció-370x208.png",370,208,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció-370x208.png",{"file":257,"width":258,"height":259,"mime-type":105,"source_url":260},"meditáció-768x432.png",768,432,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció-768x432.png",{"file":262,"width":263,"height":263,"mime-type":105,"source_url":264},"meditáció-150x150.png",150,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció-150x150.png",{"file":257,"width":258,"height":259,"mime-type":105,"source_url":260},{"file":267,"width":268,"height":269,"mime-type":105,"source_url":270},"meditáció-512x288.png",512,288,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció-512x288.png",{"file":272,"width":273,"height":274,"mime-type":105,"source_url":275},"meditáció-444x250.png",444,250,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció-444x250.png",{"aperture":123,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":123,"copyright":27,"focal_length":123,"iso":123,"shutter_speed":123,"title":27,"orientation":123,"keywords":277},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F05\u002Fmeditáció.png",{"related_posts":280,"related_posts_footer":284,"subtitle":27,"cta_type":127,"cta_color":27,"related_books":288},[281,282,283],20908,17853,20735,[285,286,287],21042,24792,26437,[289,290],31417,30419,{"yoast_wpseo_title":292,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":293,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":199},"How Can You Improve Your Mental Health With Technology - The Medical Futurist","Technology and mental well-being seem as profoundly antagonistic, but let The Medical Futurist show you how you can improve mental health with technology.",{"self":295,"collection":300,"about":302,"author":304,"replies":306,"version-history":309,"predecessor-version":312,"wp:featuredmedia":316,"wp:attachment":319,"wp:term":322,"curies":333},[296],{"href":297,"targetHints":298},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17801",{"allow":299},[143],[301],{"href":146},[303],{"href":149},[305],{"embeddable":26,"href":152},[307],{"embeddable":26,"href":308},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=17801",[310],{"count":158,"href":311},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17801\u002Frevisions",[313],{"id":314,"href":315},36833,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17801\u002Frevisions\u002F36833",[317],{"embeddable":26,"href":318},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F17809",[320],{"href":321},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=17801",[323,325,327,329,331],{"taxonomy":172,"embeddable":26,"href":324},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=17801",{"taxonomy":175,"embeddable":26,"href":326},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=17801",{"taxonomy":178,"embeddable":26,"href":328},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=17801",{"taxonomy":181,"embeddable":26,"href":330},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=17801",{"taxonomy":184,"embeddable":26,"href":332},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=17801",[334],{"name":188,"href":189,"templated":26},[],1790079839332]