The phones we have today can tell us how many steps we’ve taken, where the best pizza is, and how to calculate our tips at dinner. What’s more- they can actually offer therapeutic benefits. When it comes to mental health resources- the more the merrier. You can never have too much help or too much access. If you’re in a situation where you need some help but you can’t take the time to see a professional, fear not, you have options. Whether you have a clinical mental health issue or simply enjoy being the best version of yourself, these apps have unlimited benefits. Depending on your mental health needs you can select a different app. Personally, I’ve found these to be the most beneficial.
1. Headspace
Meditation is a lot more than saying ohm and deep breathing cooked up by hippies. It is backed by clinical studies that show it can produce the same benefits as some antidepressants when practiced regularly. I have to admit, at times I can do it days in a row, but then life inevitably gets in the way and two weeks go by. But, when I do make the time, I notice a definite difference in mood, concentration and mindfulness when I meditate versus when I don’t.
2. Mindshift
If you struggle with anxiety, you absolutely need this in your life. Rational thinking can sometimes be a challenge. Todays world makes it easy to catastrophize any situation. A cough morphs into cholera that is absolutely unable to be cured and will result in hospitalization. Mindshift helps you rationalize your thoughts and reminds you that sensations, thoughts and feelings, aren’t necessarily true, they just are. If you struggle with panic, it is also extremely helpful. There are tools, tips, steps, and check-ins that help you in stressful moments, and assist you in keeping track of your progress. This is the second best thing to an actual therapist and its portable.
3. Happify
Happify is absolutely amazing. This app has benefits for everyone. It helps to teach you positive thinking skills, manage unwelcome thoughts, and improve self esteem. When opening the app, you are given an opportunity to pick a track, an area for self improvement. They provide tasks and check-ins that offer you the opportunity to improve yourself through small games and tasks. I find myself leaving the app in a significantly better mood than when I opened it.
