With the rise of metal illnesses like depression and anxiety, people are now turning to smartphones to aid their treatment and progress. Even though social media apps have shown to be damaging to mental health, contributing to feelings like low self-esteem, jealousy and FOMO – fear of missing out – apps designed to improve mental health have been especially helpful for teenagers and young adults who use technology frequently.
One of the biggest advantages of these apps is their ability to engage those who are not confident in going to face-to-face therapy or seeking help from a healthcare professional. It also provides round-the-clock access, convenience and privacy. Online communities within these apps additionally create a feeling of safety and encouragement in an individual’s mental health journey. Read on to learn more about how apps are helping people with mental illness.
Meditation and therapy for stress and anxiety
There are a plethora of apps designed to help people with anxiety meditate and practise mindfulness. Popular ones include Headspace, Calm and 10% Happier which feature guided and non-guided meditations as well as soothing music and masterclasses. One app called Breathe2Relax is specifically designed for stress management; it walks users through breathing techniques and helps reduce stress, control anger and manage anxiety.
Counselling and therapy apps are also available for those who need an affordable and confidential way to deal with anxiety, stress or chronic illness, similar to the professional support
betterhelp.com offers. Up to hundreds of licensed therapists are available and are specialised to support an individuals’ specific needs.
Support for depression
Those who are struggling with depression from bullying can find help through an app called Code Blue. Users create a support group which will be alerted when the user needs immediate help; members of the support group can then reach out and contact the user via text or a phone call.
Another app, called Moodpath, asks questions which assesses a user’s well-being and screens for symptoms of depression. Its goal is to support the user through rough patches by increasing awareness of their feelings and thoughts. After 2 weeks, an electronic document is generated which can then be used in therapy sessions or with a healthcare professional.
Benefits for those with ADHD
Research has found that children and young people with ADHD can benefit from smartphone apps as it helps them remember things, complete tasks and follow through with appointments when they would normally struggle to do so. Simply ticking off a checklist or small task in their day using organisational apps may be very beneficial as it enables young people to function better in their day-to-day life which then enhances their quality of life.
Improvement in well-being
As well as support for specific mental health issues, there are many apps whose aim is to improve a person’s mental well-being in general. SuperBetter, for example, is a game designed to increase resiliency, strengthen relationships and motivate the individual to be optimistic and strong when faced with obstacles. It even has the potential to help people cope with chronic illness and PTSD. Similarly, Happify is a resilience building app which employs cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology to help user’s break unhealthy habits and fight off negativity.
There are myriad of apps that target mental health illnesses and helps users cope, manage and track their progress with complete privacy and ease. It also provides a valuable support network which helps users feel motivated and encouraged. With the goals of increasing resiliency, well-being and life satisfaction, these apps truly turn smartphones into pocket-sized mental health companions.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
