Stress and anxiety are things that everybody experiences from time to time. This is hardly surprising given our non-stop schedules, conflicting priorities, and never-ending to-do lists.
Whilst it is perfectly natural to feel stressed (and indeed without the bad we would be less able to appreciate the good), it is how we manage these feelings that determine our ability to see the way forward. But when you’re in the middle of a stressful event, everything feels like it is weighing you down, and our ability to think rationally is reduced.
In an ideal world we might talk our worries through with a trusted friend, or go for a long walk to clear our head. But we can’t always access these self-care solutions easily or immediately. The developers of Koko — the collective social network that battles stress and anxiety — have found a solution.
Completely free and very simple to use, Koko works on the basis that a problem shared is a problem halved. Users post their worries (completely anonymously) and others offer advice, comfort, and support designed to help them view their problem from an outsider’s perspective.
I find myself thinking differently, and it’s really made an impact in my life and my overall well-being.
In counseling terms, this technique is known as ’reframing’ - putting a positive and productive spin on worries to enable us to see things more clearly. Koko takes inspiration from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and adds a human element by harnessing the power of social media.
Some might assume that social media — where we often feel under pressure to present our perfect selves to the world — would be the worst place to turn when you’re feeling down. But the Koko community is genuinely empathetic and truly global, and knowing that someone on the other side of the world cares about you and your worries is very comforting.
Koko helps calm my anxieties. The Koko community is always around when I need it.
So next time you feel like a problem is threatening to overwhelm you, why not give Koko a try? There’s a whole world of support out there.
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