8 Top Apps for Boosting Your Mental Health

From depression to PTSD, mental health is becoming a big topic in the United States. More Americans than ever report symptoms of a mental illness, with 1 in 5 adults experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition every year. 

These conditions can have a dramatic impact on the mental, emotional, and physical health of those it affects, particularly when professional treatment is not considered. 

Thankfully, there are thousands of medical professionals across the country who can treat mental illness using a variety of different techniques. From registered counselors and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to the proper use of medication, expert care is the best way to manage a mental health condition. In addition, self-monitoring and symptom management can be done at home to improve quality of life. 

There are many ways to stay on top of a mental health condition at home. One way is through the use of a mobile app downloaded to a smartphone or computer! There are hundreds of apps available that claim to help users manage the symptoms of mental illness, though many are not backed by science and professional techniques. Below, you’ll find an infographic which outlines the top mental health apps for symptom management and improvement.

When used correctly, a mental health app is a valuable tool in the arsenal of anyone living with a mental health condition. It’s important to remember that using an app is not a replacement for professional medical treatment. A mental health app should only be used to supplement a treatment plan provided by a medical expert. A clinical psychiatrist, primary care physician, or certified counselor can provide the care necessary for proper management of symptoms. 

Here are the top mental health apps currently available for smartphone users: 

• Calm: focuses on improving anxiety, self-care, focus and depression
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

• Headspace: offers guided meditation for relaxation, anxiety relief and sleep 
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

• FearTools Anxiety Aid: uses mood tracking to help users manage anxiety 
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

• Sanvello: includes mood tracking, guided meditation and custom progress assessments
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

• MoodKit: employs principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for mood management 
  • Available for: Apple 

• Youper: uses artificial intelligence for a conversation-like approach to therapy 
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

• PE Coach 2: provides homework tools for certified therapists to use with patients
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

• PTSD Coach: offers resources and community tools to help veterans cope
  • Available for: Apple and Android 

If you or someone you know is living with an untreated mental health condition, it’s important to seek medical care. Help is available around the clock for those suffering from depression, anxiety and PTSD, and one phone call with a certified medical expert can improve your quality of life drastically. For more resources on managing mental health, visit the National Helpline website. 

Infographic courtesy of  aplaceformom.com 

Have you or loved ones used mental health apps?

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