Okay, we’ll be the first to admit that our phones can take a toll on our mental health. And we’re certainly not advocating for more phone use. But since you’re probably going to be walking around with this device in your pocket all day, why not harness it for good? Skip the social media apps in favor of ones that support your wellbeing. We’ve picked three of our favorite mental health apps to help you turn your phone into a support system for yourself.
Happify
Available on iOS and Android, free
Happify is basically a buddy in your pocket that helps you take tangible steps towards a happier life. What we really like about it is the possibility to personalize. Within Happify, you have the option to choose from a bunch of different tracks. And they work to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed. When you first open the app, they walk you through a quick questionnaire. Then, they recommend tracks for you.
Choose the track that best aligns with your goals, whether it’s overcoming self-doubt or learning to become more mindful. Each track walks you thought activities — oftentimes alongside videos to explain what you’re doing and guides showcasing the benefits of said activities.
Some of the tracks are premium, meaning you have to pay for them, but we were pleasantly surprised by the number of free options available.
This is one of the mental health apps reviewed by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). They gave it an overall rating of 4 out of 5. A rave review from the ADAA and a $0 price tag? Not bad.
Headspace
Available on iOS and Android, free
Meditation is wildly powerful for your mental health. But it’s not always easy to sit by yourself and quiet your mind. That’s where Headspace comes in. It’s a meditation guide, helping you find your inner calm. And they have meditations for a wide variety of things, from helping you drift off to sleep to getting you through a moment of panic or anxiety. With a huge range of meditation offerings and a friendly, intuitive interface (the ADAA gives it a 4.75/5 for ease of use), Headspace is a great way to make meditation a part of your daily life.
While Headspace is free to download and take for a spin, to really unlock its features you’ll need to pay for a monthly membership. If you pay month by month, it’s $13/month — or you can pay for a full year to lower your monthly cost to $8.
Breathe2Relax
Available on iOS and Android, free
The interface on this app is a little clunky, but once you get started by clicking the big blue “Breathe” button, you’ll immediately get into a guided breathing exercise. Each time you do this exercise, you’re getting better at diaphragmatic breathing. The benefits of this type of breathing are pretty impressive and include lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol (your body’s stress hormone) levels. Diaphragmatic breathing is ideal for people who are dealing with panic attacks, anxiety, anger, and PTSD.
Breathe2Relax is pretty simple — although you can personalize it a bit under the “Setup” button — but that’s part of its effectiveness. When you just need a reminder to calm down and take a breath, this app delivers. The ADAA agrees. They give this app 4s and 5s across the board.
These apps can help you work on your mental health, but this isn’t something you have to do alone. If you want to talk to a real, caring human about the way you’re feeling, we’re here. Contact the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center today.
