Technology has bridged the gap between limited access to almost excessive access to sports, lifestyle, and more. A quick scroll down your page will highlight famous athletes flexing their agility to cute toddlers tumbling in the gym! Thumbing through other apps, you can see gym rats sharing their favorite workouts and novice chefs revealing creative and healthy recipes. Across various platforms, people can connect, learn, and grow from each other! While we celebrate each other’s “wins,” we also relate to one another beyond what the camera captures.
Social media is tempting as it emphasizes all these “perfect moments” and “winning” glimpses in others’ lives, but it comes with a grain of salt. What isn’t shown are the countless takes to get the right picture or reel, the hours of strenuous training to perfect a routine, and the other bumps in the road. These moments that humble us and remind us that we’re only human, do not make us imperfect or flawed. These moments reveal our resiliency, bravery, and determination to keep pushing and fighting for ourselves.
While we lean on technology to challenge and build our physique, there are also innovative ways to flex our mental and emotional muscles! As we can be at our peak physically, our mental and emotional self may have a large opportunity for growth. Despite all the access to technology, we can still feel isolated and alone. Life can easily feel like a race, sprinting to meet the next milestone. Yet, it’s truly about the journey. Unlike a traditional race, mental wellness isn’t about who gets there the quickest, but more-so what can be learned on this journey to promote longevity with our health.
Before drawing that finish line, it’s imperative to understand where you’re starting. Starting points can vary greatly, no matter the gender, age, or sport, and that is completely okay! Some of us may feel that we are just needing a point in the right direction and need maybe an app or two to help re-center us. Others may feel that they’re completely overwhelmed with the ground falling beneath them. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there’s always help available!
Organizations dedicated to providing resources for youth:
Mental Wellness Apps
At the tip of your finger tips, there are apps to help break down some of the burdens you may face silently or not-so-silently. With any apps, please be cautious with use and find one that’s the best fit for you!
Here are a few to check out:
- Mindshift
- Shine
- Take a Break!
- BellyBio
- Calm
- Headspace
- Buddi
- Happify
Virtual Therapy
Therapy is a personalized experience to help dive into your world with the help of a professional! While therapy can vary person to person, it’s important to allow time to adjust. With healthcare professionals (they’re just humans too!), if you don’t jam with one person, then try speaking to another! Please consult your guardian to help navigate the different forms of therapy until it feels right to you. Remember, your voice is important and valuable, which means it deserves to be heard!
Here are some virtual options:
- TalkSpace
- TelaDoc
- Cerebral
- Better Help launched Teen Counseling
- Pride Counseling
- Larkr
If you, or someone else, is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, help is available! For immediate crisis support available 24 hours a day every day,
Call or text 988.
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