Top 10 Mental Health Apps
As the prevalence of mental health issues like depression and anxiety continues to grow, many doctors have turned to digital mobile apps as tools to aid their patients' treatment. Mental health apps can be effective tools that make therapy more accessible, efficient and portable for those with anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD and other related disorders. The mobile apps deliver a plethora of information to people who are unable to attend face-to-face therapy sessions, also provide support between appointments. There appears to be an app for almost every situation which provides invaluable data to those who need it. Listed here are 10 of the top apps available. 1. Code blue is designed to provide teenagers struggling with depression or bullying, with support when they need it. Users can add contacts to be part of their support group, and the app can alert the group when the user needs immediate help. 2. Panic relief. This app is targeted to help those with a panic disorder access easy-to-use coping tools, to better manage and move through panic attacks with less distress and discomfort. 3. Headspace is designed for anyone who wants to learn meditation to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as improve attention awareness. 4. Pacifica. This app focuses on deep breathing, behavioral exercises, and negative thinking patterns. For those with anxiety and mood disorders, it is a great help, especially when it comes to changing negative thoughts into positive thinking patterns. 5. Self-help anxiety management. Targeted at older teens and adults, it helps you understand what causes your anxiety, and monitors your anxious thoughts over time through self-help exercises. 6. PTSD Coach. This app is from the National Centre for PTSD, targeted to help those suffering from a mild to moderate form of PTSD. 7. T2 Mood Tracker. This helps individuals keep track of their emotional state and how it changes over time. The mental health practitioner can then be given more accurate reports. 8. Worry watch. An innovative app with a pre-fixed menu, which provides simple self-monitoring and documentation of worry. The user also has the option to assess whether the actual worry was as bad as what really happened. 9. Mind Shift. Targeted to help adolescents, teens and young adults learn basic skills to manage their symptoms of anxiety disorders. It is especially useful for general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, performance and test anxiety, and panic attacks. 10. What's My M3? Your M3 number is a number which enables both you and your doctor understand if you have a mood disorder which can be treated. You can use this app to monitor your score to see how your mental health is changing over time. The digital and mobile nature of these applications have provided a great deal more insight into the treatment of mental illness than ever before - for both the doctor and patient. Experts agree that for the best results, the apps should be used in conjunction with medication, and if possible, in face-to-face therapy with a mental health practitioner. A spokespersons for DrFelix commented "Just like us, a lot of new tech companies are trying to utilise the benefits of technology to help people look after their own health. Mental health is usually a taboo subject and not spoken of openly in most societies, these apps are a good start but more needs to be done for those suffering from mental health issues". These apps were chosen due my own experience or ones that I have read great reviews about. I am not recommending these from a mental health professional's point of view. You should seek professional help for proper advice and create your personalised plan with them.
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