In the modern-world environment, probably every person relies on one or other technology to help solve their issues. Apps on our smartphones are now equally capable of entertaining, solving business problems, and reducing stress accumulated throughout the day — at least, those that are built with users and their needs in mind.
Mobile and web applications help with health-related problems in multiple ways. Let’s find out what digital solutions can contribute to mental well-being.
What Are the Mental Health Apps?
Mental health apps are software solutions that feature therapeutic techniques for supporting the user’s physiological well-being. Such software tracks the therapy progress, helps users keep tabs on their mood and stress level, provides relaxation and stress relief, and so on — particular features depend on the type of app. Depending on functionality, we can distinguish self-care apps, social support apps, symptom-tracking apps, etc.
Mental health solutions complement telehealth technology and appointments with responsible specialists rather than replacing these. It is important that healthcare app developers make such software affordable so that more people can benefit from using it.
Top 5 Mental Health Apps in 2022
Let’s review the market-leading mental health apps and learn how they help overcome mental issues:
1. Calm
Calm is a world-famous mindfulness app. It scores first in the Sleep, Meditation, and Relaxation categories, with more than 100 million downloads and over 1.5 million five-star reviews on the App Store. It features hundreds of calming exercise and breathing techniques as well as sleep stories, some of which are narrated by celebrities. The program also offers a mood tracker functionality, daily meditation, guided meditation, and music tracks.
The possibilities of Calm are wide. The guided meditations alone may:
- Reduce stress
- Lessen anxiety
- Improve emotional health
- Enhance self-awareness
- Increase attention span
- Assist in controlling pain
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce mood swings
- Assist in fighting addictions
- Reduce memory loss caused by aging
As extra benefits, the app has a user-friendly interface and is regularly updated.
2. Happify
Happify is a self-guided app that encourages you to start better understanding your thoughts and feelings. The app features cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology techniques. These are focused on building skills for replacing negative thought patterns and finding a silver lining and happy moments throughout the day.
You can take short courses called Tracks — different activities to help you overcome anxiety and overcome negative thoughts. You can share your progress with other users and communicate with those who complete the same track as you. Developers state that 86% of their users report positive changes in their attitude to life in two months.
3. Talkspace
Talkspace is an online therapy app that serves as an alternative to visiting a therapist. The app connects users with a licensed therapist in close vicinity, and they can communicate via text, audio, or video. This way, users can receive professional help from the comfort of their homes and receive professional support at least once a day. anytime, without the need to schedule an appointment.
The app allows for tracking progress and symptoms and setting goals to build positive mental health habits. Anyone aged 13+ can use the service, and Talkspace now boasts over one million users. The study says that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face appointments, and Talkspace users report significant progress after two months of using the application.
4. PTSD Coach
PTSD Coach is a self-help application for the management of symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The app is intended to complement (but not replace) professional mental help by offering self-help techniques. These include self-assessment, coping strategies, psychoeducation, positive self-talk, and anger management.
Any user may customize the app based on their needs and preferences with photos and music. PTSD Coach helps to fight stress, anxiety, nightmares, and other PTSD-related symptoms.
5. eMoods
eMoods is an app designed specifically for individuals with bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. The software helps to identify triggers and patterns to prevent relapses. It has a mood tracking functionality designed as a color-coded monthly calendar. It also offers a convenient export functionality that helps to review the statistics for mood changes. Various charts, visualizations, and insights are included.
The app analyzes mood, weight, and sleep patterns to track manic or depressive episodes. It helps to cope with the conditions and create inner peace.
Can Healthcare Applications Replace Professional Therapy in the Nearest Future?
Indeed, mental health applications are helpful solutions for everyone, offering advanced functionality and educational material to better understand one’s condition and the ways to overcome mental disorders. But they still cannot replace a laboratory examination and proper medical assistance from a licensed specialist.
So, it’s advisable to use one or another app if they meet your expectations regarding self-help, rehabilitation, or preventing issues in the early stages. But, in case of any difficulties or aggravation, consider contacting a therapist in the first place.
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