Lysa’s Limericks

The world today is digital and connected to every aspect via the internet.  Therefore, if you are faced with anxiety, depression and/or struggle adjusting to life’s transitions, technology may be a valuable tool to incorporate into your  mental health journey.  

Below is a snapshot of some of the mental health apps that have received positive  reviews.

1. Headspace 

• Focus: Mindfulness & Meditation 
• Platforms: iOS, Android 
• Cost: Free with in-app purchases  

Headspace this app is known for its user-friendly design and variety of  meditation exercises. Headspace offers guided meditations to reduce stress,  improve sleep, and promote emotional grounding. Additionally, this app has  sleep content to assist with managing sleep disturbances.

2. Calm 

• Focus: Relaxation, Sleep & Mindfulness 
• Platforms: iOS, Android 
• Cost: Free with in-app purchases  

Calm is an app that guides its users to meditation and sleep content. Its soothing  interface and wide range of guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing  exercises. This app also has a library of music and soothing sounds geared to  create a relaxing atmosphere. This app is helpful for those trying to manage  anxiety or improve their overall mental health. 

3. Moodfit 

• Focus: Mood Tracking & Mental Health Improvement 
• Platforms: iOS, Android 
• Cost: Free with in-app purchases 

Moodfit is an app designed to help the user track mood states. Features on this  app allow the user to set goals, track mood patterns and implement interventions  such as cognitive behavior therapy to restructure negative thought patterns.  Additionally, this app offers gratitude journaling and breathing techniques.

4. Sanvello 

• Focus: Stress, Anxiety & Depression Management 
• Platforms: iOS, Android 
• Cost: Free with in-app purchases 

Sanvello offers guided meditation and mood tracking to assist its users navigate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The app utilizes cognitive behavior  therapy to help its users through emotional distress. Additionally, this app allows  its users to take assessments and connect with community support through  message boards. Users can take assessments, set goals, and access community  support through message boards. 

5. Happify 

• Focus: Positive Psychology & Stress Management 
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web 
• Cost: Free with in-app purchases 

Happify this app utilizes positive psychology as its foundation. It is designed to improve happiness and reduce stress. Features of this app include activities, games and quizzes to challenge negative thoughts and promote a gratitude mindset.

6. MyLife (formerly Stop, Breathe & Think) 

• Focus: Mindfulness & Emotional Awareness 
• Platforms: iOS, Android 
• Cost: Free with in-app purchases 

MyLife this app tailors its features to the user’s mood state at the moment. It  begins with a question “How are you feeling?” Depending upon the user’s  response it suggests breathing techniques, meditations or an activity. This approach helps users tune in to their emotions and choose mindfulness activities  that match how they’re feeling. 

Conclusion 

Mental health apps can serve as an accessible resource to support one’s overall  emotional well-being from the comfort of home. While these apps are not a  substitute for professional care in severe cases, they offer supportive tools for  reducing stress.