A couple of months ago, no one had any idea that the majority of the world was soon going to be in lockdown. We would have no chance to meet our loved ones and would be stuck at home, not allowed to travel or visit our family and friends, and schools and offices would be closed for an unknown period of time.
Coronavirus has changed our perception of relationships, time and sense of security. With quarantine underway, the fear of suffering from the virus, fear of losing our loved ones, and economic instability are all significant risk factors that can lead to certain mental health problems.
Research suggests that anxiety, depression, and irritability are the main effects of prolonged quarantine and its impact can even be worse.
In this difficult time, mental health support becomes even more important and the only viable way of therapy is the online counselling.
How does online therapy work?
It works exactly the way face-to-face therapy works, but involves a massive use of technology. Phones, emails, instant messages and video calls are used to provide therapy to those who are suffering from mental health problems due to the impact of COVID-19.
The best way to access online counselling is the consultation through video calls, in which a lot of GDRP compliant platforms, such as FaceTime and Skype, can be used. In terms of duration, frequency, and confidentiality, the online session works exactly like face-to-face therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) delivered through the internet has proved its efficiency in treating depressive disorders such as anxiety and depression, and its effects last over time. (Wagner, 2014; Andrews, 2018).
Is online therapy for everyone?
Online therapy may not be for everyone but it is suitable for most of the people. It is not suggested for people who are suffering from acute psychiatric disorders, with suicidal intent and psychosis. As a whole, online therapy is not suggested for people with acute medical conditions who require the patient to seek medical help immediately.
A quiet and private environment and a good internet connection to take the call is essential if you wish to try an online session. You really need to feel comfortable, so find a suitable time and place where your privacy will be protected, if you wish to have an online session.
COVD-19 time is a time where you need to take care of your mental health. Challenges will only grow during the COVID-19 pandemic and problems will not go away on their own. You can begin by taking charge of your life by taking the first step: admit that your ways of solving the problem haven’t worked and you need to seek online counselling or psychotherapy to help you grow as a human being and in your relationship with the world around you.