VR Therapy

When most people think about virtual reality headsets, the conversation typically revolves around gaming. But what if these devices could actually improve our mental health?

What Is VR Therapy?

VR therapy puts people in realistic virtual situations designed to help them heal. For example, someone afraid of flying might start in a virtual plane. Someone with social anxiety might practice standing in front of a virtual crowd or going through mock interview sessions.

What's fascinating is that even though you know the people aren't real, these virtual environments still trigger your amygdala, making it feel completely real. This allows you to put in the practice reps with little to no real-world risk or embarrassment.

What the Research Is Showing

Studies are showing that these environments might help with reducing anxiety, processing trauma (PTSD), rewiring emotional responses, and even helping people overcome deep-seated fears.

The research has shown:

• Proven impact on phobias, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Think fear of spiders, heights, flying, public speaking, job interviews, and more. VR lets people face these fears gradually in completely safe and repeatable environments.
• Promising results for autism spectrum disorder and social skill development. Virtual environments provide safe spaces to practice conversations, read social cues, and build confidence in a variety of social situations.
• Higher Engagement Makes therapy feel interactive and fun, not clinical. Instead of just talking about anxiety, you're actively working through it in virtual scenarios that feel much closer to reality.

Getting Started

There are many VR headsets that are reasonably affordable, and considering the potential impact they might bring for mental wellness, they could be worth the investment. There are many options available online with different price points and capabilities for therapeutic applications.

Just make sure to do your research and find the right applications before making any purchase. Not all VR headsets are equal.

Why It Matters

As mental health issues become more common and technology becomes more prevalent in our lives, there's an opportunity to use these tools intentionally. Just like our other devices, they can either contribute to stress and anxiety or actually help us overcome them. VR therapy might be just what you need to reinforce personal growth and step out of your comfort zone.

Note: VR is generally safe, but some people may feel nausea or dizziness. Check with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.

Want to Learn More? Check out: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33606946/

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