How does ai affect mental health?

I fell into a bad loop of using AI companions last year when I was feeling very lonely, and it actually made my social anxiety much worse. I only recovered when I deleted those apps and forced myself to join a local pottery class. Real human connection is irreplaceable.

I was discussing this with a therapist at Apollo because my job involves a lot of AI tools and it was causing me severe burnout. She clearly said that while AI chatbots can offer basic support, they cannot replace human therapy. If you feel anxious or depressed, please consult a real mental health professional.

It's a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI mental health apps can help you track your mood and suggest breathing exercises when you're stressed. On the other hand, algorithm-driven social feeds can increase comparison and anxiety. Balance and conscious limits are key here.

I used to panic so much thinking AI would take my tech job and I'd be ruined, which gave me sleepless nights. But over time, I realized it's just a tool we can learn to use, and my anxiety finally went down. It is normal to feel stressed about change, but you will adapt.

The stress from job insecurity due to AI can actually raise your cortisol levels, which directly messes with your blood sugar. I've had to be very careful to keep my diabetes managed by practicing mindfulness and not stressing about these tech shifts. A healthy diet and regular walks help combat this stress.

I have been using an AI app to write down my thoughts when I feel sad, and it feels nice. But is it bad to rely on a machine for comfort instead of talking to my friends? I worry I am becoming too isolated.