What’s the Buzz? 24% of Brits Are Turning to Smart Apps for Mental Health
Just when you thought your phone was only good for memes and calling your friend with the same voice, the latest poll by Carphone Warehouse shows that almost a quarter of the UK population is using a smartphone app to tackle mental health challenges. It’s high‑tech therapy… just a tap away!
Why the Interest is So High
- Smartphones have become the new Swiss Army knife for everyday life—casting aside the old notion that only doctors or therapists can help.
- Apps cater to a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to managing diabetes, all from the comfort of your living room.
- With people spending hours scrolling through social media, having a digital tool that can pop up a breathing exercise or a mood tracker is a game‑changer.
Who’s Using It?
In London alone, every third Briton has already tried an app to beat mental health struggles. The trend spikes among younger folks:
- Age 25‑34: 24% of this group says they use their device to boost mental wellness.
- Age 18‑24: A hefty 25% are hot‑on‑track with self‑help apps.
It’s pretty clear the younger generation is riding the tech wave more than anyone else.
The Bigger Picture
Globally, 1990 saw 416 million people battling depression or anxiety. Fast forward to 2013, and that number jumps to 615 million. In the UK alone:
- About 1 in 10 kids (5‑16 years old) face a mental health problem.
- Shockingly, 70% of young people with such issues don’t receive the help they need.
This lack of support is exactly why the app tide is surfacing—to fill that critical gap.
Expert Take‑away
Elizabeth Skelton, head of Health & Safety at Dixons Carphone, says:
“The smartphone is arguably the most innovative consumer product ever. Every day it morphs into a tool that reshapes our lives—some even helping us heal from within.”
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