The Future Is Here: Using Augmented Reality Apps to Address Mental Health Problems

People with mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, and phobias, face severe difficulties in leading a happy and fulfilling life. Fortunately, modern technology has paved the way for therapists to help improve their psychological health. Here’s how augmented reality apps can be used to address mental health problems:

Combat social anxiety disorder

A person with a social anxiety disorder feels intensely uncomfortable in social situations. They may avoid speaking or interacting due to excessive fear of being judged negatively. It can progress to the point of social isolation and prevent them from leading a regular, healthy lifestyle.

Therapists can develop therapy interventions using AR technology to help them overcome their extreme distress and fear. They can offer cognitive-behavioural therapy in a simulated environment to provide a safer and more comfortable therapeutic experience.

The augmented environment also strengthens the confidence of clients and allow them to speak their heart out without feeling that they are being judged by others. It’s an effective way to interact with them and help them gain confidence.

Managing depression

Depression is a common mental disorder, which affects more than 264 million people worldwide. There are different treatment options available to combat depression, but sadly most people don’t get treatment because of the barriers to receiving treatment.

Therapists already use low-intensity virtual reality interventions to treat depression. It involves sending them to an immersive environment using a headset to reduce anxiety and improve their mood, but it differs from a real-life environment  

Here, augmented reality can be a viable solution. It merges an immersive, virtual environment into the real world. A therapist can use AR technology for perspective-changing and substitute personification of different imagery that triggers anxiety and depression.

Overcome phobias

The proven and most efficient way to treat a phobia is by progressively and repetitively exposing the client to their fears in a safe and controlled environment. Here, augmented reality is the perfect solution to provide exposure therapy and help them overcome phobias.

For instance, a therapist doesn’t need to put a real roach on the client’s hand to treat insectophobia. They can also treat clients with germaphobia, a pathological fear of contamination and germs, without triggering anxiety and fear.

Exposing clients to an augmented reality environment improves their confidence, allowing them to feel more comfortable and relaxed during the treatment, which helps them gain control over their phobia more effectively.

About Elementals Studio

Elementals Studio is a leading augmented reality app development company that specializes in Virtual and Augmented Reality solutions for businesses and enterprises. The company develops professional 3D and augmented reality solutions for businesses, including healthcare facilities. If you’re interested in their services or want to learn more, visit their website.