May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we’re not therapists or doctors, we are people who spend a whole lot of time around technology. So we figured now’s a good time to talk about the complicated relationship between our tech and our mental health.
Spoiler alert: it’s not all bad.
The Double-Edged Screen
On one hand, technology is amazing. It lets us stay connected with family and friends, work remotely, stream music that helps us focus (or chill), and even access tools that can improve our mental well-being, like mindfulness apps or online therapy platforms. If you’ve ever had a rough day and turned to a silly video, a playlist, or a chat with someone miles away, you know how tech can be a turning point.
But then there’s the flip side.
Tech can also be... a lot. Constant notifications. Always being “on.” Never-ending Zooms. Email threads that never die. Social media doomscrolling. Digital fatigue is real, and it creeps in quietly, especially when we don’t set boundaries with our devices.
We’re not saying you need to toss your phone out a window. But being aware of how tech makes you feel is a good start.
Boundaries Aren’t Just for People
Let’s be honest: even in the IT world, we sometimes need to unplug. And no, that’s not an inside joke about turning it off and back on again.
If you’re feeling drained or scattered, try looking more closely to see how tech fits into your day. Are notifications pulling your focus every 5 minutes? Is that “one last email” keeping you online way past your cut-off time? Are you responding to work messages from your couch at 10:30 PM?
You might be surprised how much mental energy gets eaten up by tiny interruptions.
Creating boundaries with tech doesn’t have to mean going off-grid. It might just mean:
- Setting “no screen” hours at home
- Turning off unnecessary notifications
- Using Do Not Disturb during focus times
- Actually taking your lunch break away from the keyboard
When Tech Helps
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Tech can also be part of the solution.
There are apps that help you sleep better, focus longer, meditate, or journal. There are browser extensions that block distractions, and smart devices that remind you to drink water or take a breath.
At Layer 2, we’re big fans of using tech to help people, not overwhelm them. That’s why we focus on making IT smoother, less stressful, and easier to manage—so our clients can get back to the stuff that really matters (like growing their business, or taking a real day off without something breaking).
The Bottom Line
Mental health is complex, and we’re not here to offer advice beyond our expertise. But we do believe in talking about it, especially when it intersects with our world of screens, systems, and staying connected.
If you’re looking for expert advice or support, here are a few trustworthy places to start:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Great for learning more about mental health conditions and finding support resources.
- Mental Health America – Offers online screening tools, education, and local support options.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in distress. Just dial 988 from any phone.
This month—and every month—we encourage you to take a moment to check in with yourself. See how your tech is helping... or maybe hindering. And if there's something we can do to make your digital life a little less chaotic, you know where to find us.
Take care of yourself. You matter—even more than your Wi-Fi speed.
