Six ways tech can support your mental health and aid anxiety
Annie Mannion | 12 May 2023
We've gathered a collection of useful resources together that may help you yourself, or you may wish to share them to support individuals and organisations to address mental health issues or concerns.
6 ways tech can support your mental health
1. Read our free factsheet about Mental Health and Computing
One in 4 people experience mental health issues in England each year, and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.
Our AbilityNet factsheet covers how assistive technology (AT) and apps can help people with their mental health, and how tech can form part of a holistic approach to gaining support.
Access the free mental Health and Computing factsheet
2. Promote positive mental health attitudes in the workplace
Do you need a cost-effective way to teach your staff about accessibility and inclusion? Employees can complete AbilityNet's learning modules online at their own pace, including a section focused on mental health. Topics covered:
- mental health
- hearing
- vision
- cognitive
- physical/motor
Find out how eLearning can teach your staff to help become a digitally disability inclusive workplace.
3. Learn how computers can help manage stress
The ‘always on’ culture and pressures around work, family life and study can be significant causes of stress. Stress can lead to long-term sickness, anxiety and depression.
Making small changes to how your computer, laptop or smartphone are set up, and to the software you use, can make significant differences, and can help you become better organised and more productive – and hopefully therefore less stressed.
Access the free factsheet: How computers can help manage stress
4. Address mental health barriers at work
What can help your employees with mental health conditions?
Meet Adam. He has experienced periods of mental health challenges and has had a recent diagnosis of Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Adam uses his experiences to discuss and challenge the stigmas around the impact and taboos of mental health conditions.
In this video, Adam talks about electronic to-do lists and how they help him in the workplace.
This video is a taster of what you can expect from our Don't Disable Me: Removing mental health barriers training course - book now.
5. Read about anxiety and the pros and cons of technology
Adam Tweed also outlines in a blog how technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. But while technology has brought many benefits, it also has negative effects that can contribute to anxiety.
Blog: Anxiety and Technology: The Positives and Negative effects
6. Access a free webinar recording about mental health at home
During Covid-19 lockdowns many people needed support to help manage their mental health while at home.
This webinar recording explores how to use tech to help maintain good mental health while living, studying and working at home.
(Download the webinar transcript.)
Support for Mental Health Issues
You can talk to your GP or contact the NHS for help with any mental health questions you may have (call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, and call 111 for less urgent help).
There are also a number of charities where you can talk to someone:
C.A.L.M. – Campaign Against Living Miserably – for men
0800 58 58 58
www.thecalmzone.net or webchat
Samaritans
116 123
Papyrus – for people under 35
0800 068 41 41
Text 07786 209697
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice/about-hopelineuk
Childline – for children and young people under 19
0800 1111 – free and the number will not show up on your phone bill
