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If you’ve been sick for a long time, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you that chronic health issues can cause or exacerbate mental health conditions. Left unchecked, this can lead to emotional stress, social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
This is a serious problem considering the number of people that have a chronic illness — nearly 6 in 10 adult Americans have a chronic illness, and 4 in 10 live with two or more health issues. As well as reducing life expectancy, living with a chronic illness can make it difficult to attend therapy sessions and group therapy meetings.
However, recent advancements in telehealth technology are changing the therapy game for good. Today, you can connect with a host of remote providers and accredited experts who are trained to use telehealth tech and apps.
Here’s why online therapy is a game changer for managing chronic illness.
1. Accessibility
Access to reliable healthcare is a basic human right across much of the globe. However, in the U.S., inequality and inadequate access to healthcare is an all too common reality for those with chronic illnesses.
Accessibility issues may be particularly profound if you live in a rural area. Rural residents have lower access to primary care compared to folks who live in urban areas and usually have to travel many miles to see a doctor or therapist in-person. If you are reliant on other people for transportation, this can add even more complications and inconveniences.
Online therapy can close the rural-urban gap and make it that much easier to get the care you deserve. You’ll also have greater agency and autonomy by being able to see a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own home. You don’t need to ask family or friends to take time off work to see a specialist and can complete the entire appointment without any assistive support.
Finding a therapist online is easy. You can use free digital directories to find therapists and can filter to find a specialist in your area. While it may take a while to find a therapist who suits your personality and aligns with your insurance and/or budget, you can take simple steps to improve your well-being from your bed in the meantime.
2. The Future of Therapy
Once you find a therapist that is right for you, you’ll be able to start a treatment plan straight away. Online therapists can use telehealth programs to monitor your progress remotely and will check your health signs using monitors like remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology. Common examples of RPM tech for mental health include:
- Mobile apps with mindfulness exercises;
- Wearables that can identify triggers and fluctuations in physical vital signs;
- VR headsets that simulate exposure therapy;
- Symptom monitoring and digital diaries.
RPM tech is just one reason why many people call online therapy the future of mental healthcare. You don’t have to put your life on hold while scheduling a remote appointment and can connect with the right specialist for you — even if they live halfway across the country.
This puts you in the driver’s seat, as you won’t have to “settle” for the first therapist that aligns with your schedule. Instead, you can choose a therapist who understands your illness and is committed to your long-term health.
3. Group Therapy
It’s all too easy to become socially isolated and lonely if you live with a chronic illness. It can be difficult to keep up with your social connections when you’re in pain and are unable to engage in “typical” social activities.
Online group therapy sessions can help you overcome loneliness and social isolation without leaving your home. During a session, you’ll connect with other people experiencing similar emotional symptoms and understand the challenges you face. This can represent an important step towards breaking down any unnecessary social barriers you may have erected.
Group therapy sessions can help you create a more self-aware, open identity, too. A healthier perspective won’t cure you of your chronic illness, but it can help you take accountability and increase your motivation to adopt more health-positive behaviors.
4. Reduced Costs
Chronic illnesses can be expensive. Managing the average chronic disease costs up to $6,032 per year due to expensive medication and more frequent visits to the hospital. Traveling to and from a physical therapist can be expensive, too. You’ll need to take time away from work and may incur heft fees for fuel and parking.
Seeing a mental health professional online can dramatically reduce the costs associated with therapy. Cost-effective therapy sessions typically run at around $60 – 90 per week while crisis lines usually operate at zero cost. This can be particularly helpful if chronic health conditions have ballooned your bills or undermined your ability to work.
Conclusion
Even though receiving a diagnosis of a chronic illness increases your chance of developing mental health conditions, actually getting the support you need can be difficult.
Online therapy can help you connect with mental health professionals with a variety of specialties from the comfort of your own home. You can also connect with other people with similar conditions via group therapy sessions which are designed to alleviate isolation and promote a healthier perspective. This can improve the efficacy of your treatment plans and give you a much-needed sense of autonomy and control.
Considering online therapy? Apply these 7 tips for effective communication with your e-doctor. For more tech tools to manage your chronic illness, check out the 5 health apps you’ll want to download.
