According to the CDC, approximately 43 million adults in the U.S. have a mental illness like anxiety or depression — and if you’re one of them, you’ve probably seen smartphone apps that claim to improve mental health and wellness.
Of course, nothing compares to getting quality care and a personalized treatment plan from a medical professional. But these mental health apps may help you reduce stress, improve focus, lessen feelings of anxiousness, and more — and that can go a long way in managing mental health symptoms and improving your overall sense of well-being.
So while a mental health app definitely can’t replace your doctor, you may find it to be a valuable resource. Here are 10 mental health apps that are worth looking into.
Apps for Meditation
Meditation can reduce stress and cultivate calmness. These two meditation apps can help you get started.
Headspace
Headspace is one of the most widely recognized meditation apps — and for good reason. The app offers guided meditations and mindfulness techniques that focus on a variety of approaches. Whether you’re focusing on happiness, relationships, or stress relief, there’s a course for you in this app.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
Ten Percent Happier
If you’re not quite a meditator (yet), Ten Percent Happier might be the app for you — it’s designed with meditation skeptics in mind and aims to teach meditation in a simple manner. Pop in your earbuds during a long commute and learn a new, healthy skill.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
ASMR Apps
Autonomous sensory meridian response — or ASMR — is a calming, spine-tingling sensation that can be triggered by a gentle touch (like a scalp massage) or repetitive sound. If ASMR works for you, try these ASMR apps.
Tingles
This popular app lets you choose from soothing ASMR stimuli like whispering, ocean waves, and rain. And because you can view the content without ads, Tingles is perfect for listening as you’re falling asleep.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
Silk ASMR
Silk ASMR holds a library of more than 300 sounds to help you relax and fall asleep. You can even customize them.
Get it from the App Store.
Apps for Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the U.S. And while there’s no substitute for professional care, these apps can help you monitor and manage anxiety symptoms.
Self-Help for Anxiety Management
The user-friendly interface on this app — “SAM” for short — makes it easy to track your anxiety symptoms day-to-day and build a toolkit of resources that can help when you’re feeling anxious.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
Happify
Take a short quiz about your current state of mind, and Happify will recommend a “track” — a series of games and activities to help you cope with stress, improve mindfulness, and boost your emotional well-being.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
Apps for Dealing with Heartbreak
Let’s be honest, breakups can take a toll on your emotional state. These apps can help you bounce back.
Rx Breakup
This app helps you navigate the early stages of a breakup — you’ll get 30 days’ worth of pep talks, journaling, and tasks that will make the separation more bearable.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
Mend
Looking for closure? Mend tracks the amount of time that has passed from your last contact with an ex, and offers short daily trainings on topics of moving on, finding love again, and learning self-love.
Get it from the App Store.
Journaling Apps
Spending time getting to know your mind can really improve your mental well-being. These apps can help.
DiveThru
Take time to explore your fears and your goals with this app that aims to help you connect with yourself through guided breathing and introspective journaling.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
The Five Minute Journal
If you’ve always wanted to start a journal, Five Minute Journal is the app to try. Like its physical counterpart, this app starts off your morning by asking questions geared toward gratitude and purpose, and ends your evening with reflection.
Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
