A new study has found that therapy done through text messages can help people feel less depressed. Researchers from the University of Washington discovered that writing and sending messages to a trained therapist can improve mood and mental health, especially for people with mild or moderate depression.
The study showed that people who took part in regular text therapy felt better after a few weeks. They said sending messages felt easier and less stressful than talking face-to-face or on video. Many participants said writing their feelings helped them understand their emotions and think more clearly.
Experts say this kind of therapy could help people who find it hard to visit a therapist in person. It could also be useful for those who live far away, have busy schedules, or feel nervous about talking in person. Text therapy can be done anytime and anywhere, which makes it more flexible and private.
One person in the study said they liked being able to send messages during the day instead of waiting for an appointment. The therapist’s quick and supportive replies made them feel heard and encouraged.
However, the researchers warned that text-based therapy might not work well for people with severe depression. In such cases, face-to-face sessions or more intensive treatment may still be needed. They also said that it is important for trained professionals to guide these text conversations to make sure they are helpful and safe.
Mental health experts believe this new form of therapy could become more popular, especially among young people who are used to texting every day. It could make mental health support easier to reach and reduce the fear or shame some people feel about asking for help.
The study shows that simple text messages can make a real difference in improving people’s mental health and could be an important part of future therapy options.
