Helpful Apps for Mental Health in 2022 

Apps for Enhanced Mental Health 

Our smartphones are virtually always within reach, but we often don’t fully utilize their potential to support our mental health. While there is ongoing debate about the impact of social media and smartphone use on mental health, several apps can positively contribute to our well-being. Here are some of the best mental health apps available today: 

• Happify 
  • Overview: Happify aims to boost happiness through scientifically backed games and exercises designed to improve mood and life satisfaction. By addressing and breaking negative thought patterns, the app provides users with a happiness score to monitor their progress over time. 
• Moodfit 
  • Overview: Moodfit focuses on "mood fitness," offering tools such as mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) thought records. This app helps users set daily goals and track their emotional well-being, providing a comprehensive approach to mood management. 
• Talkspace 
  • Overview: Talkspace connects users with licensed therapists through a convenient app interface. After an initial assessment, users can engage in regular therapy sessions via messaging or video calls. While Talkspace offers couples therapy and various subscription plans, it's important to note that this service comes with a cost ranging from $276 to $516 per month. 
• MoodTools 
  • Overview: MoodTools is designed for individuals struggling with depression. The app features a depression assessment tool, a thought diary, and a suicide safety plan, providing valuable resources for managing depressive symptoms. 
• Breathe2Relax 
  • Overview: Breathe2Relax focuses on stress management through guided breathing exercises. The app educates users about the effects of stress on the body and provides practical tools to help manage and reduce stress effectively. 
• Moodkit 
  • Overview: Created by clinical psychologists, Moodkit offers over 200 activities based on CBT principles. It includes features such as mood tracking and thought journaling to support users in managing stress and fostering positive thinking. 
• Headspace 
  • Overview: Headspace is a leading app for meditation, offering a wide range of practices for users at various experience levels. The app provides guided meditations to enhance mindfulness, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, with options for both short breaks and in-depth courses. 
• iBreathe 
  • Overview: iBreathe is a straightforward app that offers simple, effective breathing exercises to help users manage stress and anxiety. With its uncluttered design, iBreathe focuses solely on providing quick relaxation techniques. 
• Quit That! 
  • Overview: Quit That! assists users in overcoming negative habits such as smoking, drinking, and drug use. It tracks progress and provides support for habit change, though it should not replace professional addiction treatment services. 
• Recovery Record 
  • Overview: Recovery Record is tailored for individuals recovering from eating disorders. It integrates with the Recovery Record Clinician App, allowing treatment teams to monitor progress and support recovery efforts effectively. 

Tips for Making the Most of Mental Health Apps 

To maximize the benefits of mental health apps, consider these strategies: 

• Set Realistic Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for using the app. Whether it's practicing mindfulness daily or tracking mood changes, having specific objectives can enhance your commitment. 

• Integrate into Routine: Incorporate app usage into your daily routine to ensure consistency. For example, set aside a few minutes each morning or evening for app activities. 

• Monitor Progress: Regularly review your progress within the app. Many apps offer tracking features that can help you see improvements and stay motivated. 

• Combine with Professional Support: Use the app as a complementary tool alongside professional therapy or counseling. Apps can provide additional support but should not replace professional care. 
• Stay Engaged: Engage with the app’s features actively. Participate in exercises, log your feelings, and use available tools to fully benefit from the app’s offerings.