Its all in your head. Calling any physical illness like cancer or influenza fictitious would
be considered absurd in modern times. There is care provided the instance any of these diseases
are diagnosed in a patient. However, the same ideals do not hold true for those of mental health,
despite that any of these diseases can be as destructive or fatal as physical conditions. This is
often due to lack of visible symptoms, if it is not seen, it can be difficult to convince others of its
prevalence. Despite the devastating effects that these have on 42.5 million Americans, mental
health disorders harmfulness is not recognized on the same scale that other diseases are
(Bekiempis). In the past, mental illnesses were seen as nonthreatening. Thus, they did not
warrant concern from those who were not directly affected. Those who had mental health
disorders were hidden from society and were demeaned throughout their lives. Although the
mental health movement began in 1909 by Mental Health America, it would be a hundred years
until mental health was accepted on the scale that it is today (Our). This movement is the
combatant of both mental health diseases and the negative stigma that encompasses them. The
view of mental health has shifted from an ignorant world to one that is more understanding;
however, there is still plenty of change that is yet to occur on this topic. This shift was facilitated
through the creation of technology, which allowed this movement to spread on a greater scale
One of the earlier uses of the internet was for blogging. The creation of blogs allowed for
amateur writers to have a direct connection to the anyone without needing to publish a novel.
Blogs uses expand any genre, from storytelling to descriptions of hobbies. These purposes may
appear as pointless, mindless ways for people to have fun, but to the mental health movement,
however, it was a powerful tool for rhetoric. People began using their blogs to tell specific stories
about their life. Those with mental health issues began to share their experiences and provide
insight to how it truly felt to be inflicted, and how they were often treated by society. Seeing their
stories in this light allowed for people without mental health issues to empathize with their
conditions, and become aware of their effects. Those sharing their stories were provided with an
outlet for their emotions, which can be beneficial in itself, even if no one would see all of the
stories shared. Lastly, it helped those also inflicted with mental health disorders. Seeing others
bravery and pain creates a connection. This connection provides emotional support, and the
viewer can even contact the writer to communicate and enhance this support. Those who do not
yet realize that their symptoms correlate to mental health issues can recognize their diagnosis,
and thus begin to receive help with their problems. Blogs typically began as means of
communication for young teenagers or children. Later, blogging was used by people with more
rhetorical power. Seasoned writers began utilizing blogging, evolving it from a status update to
educated discussion. An example of such a blog can be found on Bipolar Burble Blog, which
provides useful text for both those with mental health disorders and those without in a
sophisticated manner (Tracy). Overall, blogging became an unexpected tool for communication.
What began as a small fad ended with the power to save lives and aid millions of people.
The mental health movement was also aided through the advocation of popular
celebrities. In todays society, celebrities are looked up to, and often serve as role models for the
population. These stars are not just supporting this movement, but by publicizing their issues,
they have demonstrated that mental health issues can affect them as well. An example of this can
be seen through Jared Padalecki, one of the stars of the show Supernatural. This actor uses his
cultural power to raise both awareness and money with his Always Keep Fighting campaign
(Prudom). He has also shared that he has depression as well, showing that anyone can be subject
to these issues, despite how happy or successful one appears to be on the outside. Using
technology as his tool, Padalecki utilizes social networking websites such as Twitter and
Facebook to aid in his awareness program. On Twitter, he gives quick words of encouragement
and gives updates on his campaigns. On Facebook, he writes long descriptions of his stories and
uses their live video feature to have a true connection with the fans by speaking directly to them.
This helps those with depression by giving them a relatable and positive role model who does not
have to imagine what they are going through. Also, he uses himself as means to share with others
what depression is like, and how depression can affect any person, even celebrities. Seeing the
condition in this light provides insight and improves how those with depression are treated by
others. Although currently few celebrities have mentioned being inflicted by other mental health
issues, depression serves as the stepping stone for these other advances to occur. Today,
depression is most commonly heard, but in the future all inflictions will have equal
With the invention of smartphones came many eases in daily life. Applications are the
embodiment of smartphone technology. With these, any programmer has the means to create a
custom program. The possibilities for apps are endless, consisting of games, finance
management, and social media. Apps have the power to aid in the mental health movement as
well. The app Pacifica aids to help those with the most common mental health disorder, anxiety
(Utley). By providing the user with tips to reduce anxiety, Pacifica is a practical application that
can be used anywhere and by anyone with a smartphone. Because of its accessibility, this app
allows all users to discreetly decrease their anxiety in everyday situations. Apps like this that
readily provides aid are not uncommon, spanning the apple store through apps such as Code
Blue, Breathe2Relax, Lantern, and many more (Top). Other apps provide aid with stress,
depression, and substance abuse. Providing care such as this allows for treatment of those who
otherwise would not go to a doctor due to financial or other issues. Their accessibility also
promotes their usefulness in ways that is much more difficult for doctors, as phones rarely leave
peoples sides.
New technologies are being created every day to aid those with mental health problems.
As these diseases are not as easily treated as others, technology provides solutions that were not
available in the past. Spire is the embodiment of the future of these technologies. While wearing
this device, users emotions are detected, and they are instantaneously provided with ways to
relieve stress, anxiety, or even sadness (Utley). Doing so can reduce the number of those who go
untreated. This simple outlet for these symptoms can have great repercussions. Currently, suicide
is the third leading cause of death in the United States of young adults. A majority of these occur
due to mental health (University). With a way to reduce the negative effects of mental health
issues such as this, suicide rates have the potential to decline. Technologies like this may appear
simple, but their results are extremely beneficial to todays society in numerous ways. Spire is
not the only game-changing technology that exists for the mental health community. The Fisher
Wallace Stimulator is placed around the forehead and causes the release of hormones that can
induce happiness or reduce painful emotions (Utley). This therapy can be done at home, or
anywhere else, and thus its convenience is revolutionary to the mental health movement. As
prevalent as mental health issues are in todays society, a treatment as simple as this can greatly
improve the lives of some inflicted by mental health issues. Although these technologies pose no
solution for schizophrenia or other conditions, they are merely stepping stones to future medical
advances.
Although the use of social media is often seen as a negative side effect to millennial's
narcissistic behavior, it is actually a platform for self confidence. Yes, there is cyberbullying and
other non beneficial outcomes of social media, but the positive cannot be overlooked. Teenagers
and young adults are constantly posting images of themselves, and hopefully, receiving uplifting
comments on them. Small positive comments such as these can greatly alter the mood of the
person receiving them. These seemingly insignificant acts of kindness have incredible impacts on
those with mental health, and boosting positivity through these means can help those with
anxiety or depression. Contrary to the positive self images seen on social media, one person
found a way to post the negatives in their life instead. Jamie Lauren Keiles documented her
depression through images on Instagram (Keiles). These provided direct insight into the
symptoms of depression that were accessible to all. However, as great as the effects can be
constructively, they can also be harmful. With the large amount of pictures posted online, many
young people find themselves comparing themselves to others, which can be detrimental to
mental health. Ignoring the comments, posting the pictures themselves is a great step forward for
young adults. Doing these shows that people are happy with how they look, as appearances are
often a great cause for unhappiness in these age groups. This is one focus where the mental
health movement faces great challenges, finding a way to restore the benefits of social media
The creation of video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
sparked the worlds love for television to heighten. With relatable characters and plots, people
tend to compare themselves to the fictional characters portrayed on their screen. Thus, it is only
logical that people learn as well from television shows, learning life lessons and other teachings
without actually going through the experience firsthand. Because of this, it is incredibly
important that television shows accurately portray mental health issues. Representation in the
media would decrease the negative stigma of mental health while promoting the importance of
the movement. Although there is not equal representation of all mental health diseases in the
media, there are shows that encompass what it is is like to face these disorders. Unfortunately,
OCD, depression, anxiety often represent a majority of the illnesses on television, while others
go unnoticed. As imperfect as this is, media is still moving in the correct direction to promote
awareness. Popular shows such as Scrubs and the Big Bang Theory show OCD in a non negative
manner, while demonstrating the negative effects that it can have (Bowsher). This type of
portrayal was not possible in earlier years. Thus this shift in media representation allows for
great advances in the mental health movement. Shows such as these demonstrate these illnesses,
and hopefully with time more shows will follow their lead.
The increase in technologys use can allow for incredible advances for medical treatment
and for destruction of the stigma for mental health. The views on mental health have
dramatically changed over the years. The world in the past had a negative stigma on these issues.
Although people today are much more open and compassionate about these problems, the mental
health movement is not yet complete. Many have rigid ideas of what mental illnesses are. It is
difficult to change every person in the worlds perception on an issue, but this idealistic goal is
one that all must attempt to reach. Luckily, there is little resistance in the way of the mental
health movement, but that does not mean such resistance is nonexistent. Many go by the old
ideologies, that mental problems are imaginary, and these people discourage those who are
already in pain. A world free of the negative connotation of mental health would prevent
suicides, increase happiness, and result in a better place to live. Mental healths importance spans
the globe, affecting every single individual on the planet in some form. This is incredibly
significant on society today, as understanding mental health has the potential to save billions of
lives. Mental health disorders will not be eradicated from society, but technology does have the
Works Cited
Bekiempis, Victoria. "Nearly 1 in 5 Americans Suffers From Mental Illness Each Year."
Bowsher, Allison. "5 TV Shows That Got Mental Health Right." Much.com. Web. 12 Nov. 2016.
Keiles, Jamie Lauren. "Depressiongrams." Medium. 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 19 Nov. 2016.
Prudom, Laura. "Supernatural Star Jared Padalecki Talks Depression and Why You Should
"Top 10 Mental Health Apps." Top 10 Mental Health Apps. Web. 19 Nov. 2016.
Tracy, Natasha. "Bipolar Burble Blog | Natasha Tracy." Bipolar Burble Blog | Natasha Tracy.
Utley, Tori. "4 Technologies Innovating Mental Health in 2016." Forbes. Forbes Magazine. Web.
12 Nov. 2016.