Using Mobile Apps to Ease Depression and Anxiety by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva
Depression and Anxiety are conditions that many deal with to varying degrees at different times in their lives. From mild to sever, situational to manic, depression and anxiety can be an issue that all of us may have to deal with day in and day out.
In past posts I’ve talked about how to tell if you are almost depressed and have shared about my son’s battle with depression and addiction on Living thru Crisis. When I ran across a blog post a few weeks ago called 81 Awesome Resources When You Can’t Afford a Therapist I was surprised at how many resources there were available free or for a nominal fee. (see below for some of my favorites depression and anxiety apps)
What blew me away was the impact technology has had on behavioral/mental health treatment. From the use of video conferencing for medicine management (a solution to a shortage of Psychiatrists) to various websites, apps and social media the management of symptoms using technology is helping the medical community treat and support those dealing with mental and behavioral health issues.
I personally love to use my smart phone (an HTC One M9 given to me as a member of the VZWBuzz team*) for apps like Breath2Relax and Happify to keep me balanced and thinking positively. It’s speed, ease of use and incredible on the go accessibility makes it simple to keep an open and positive mindset.
Technology can really help fill in the gaps to mental health care and here are some of my favorite mobile Apps to use on the go:
Mental Health Apps (Full list available Here)
ACT Coach
ACT Coach teaches users how to tolerate negative thoughts and feelings by virtually guiding them through awareness exercises and giving tips on how to ditch self-doubt. With an extra focus on mindfulness, this app also provides a log to track your progress. (Free; iOS)
Breathe2Relax
Sometimes, all we need to de-stress is take a few deep breaths. Created by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, this app teaches users how to do diaphragmatic breathing. Features include educational videos on the stress response, logs to record stress levels, and customizable guided breathing sessions. (Free; iOS and Android)
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide
Need help managing the blues? Monitor dips in your mood, learn about clinical depression and treatments, try guided relaxation techniques, and learn strategies to challenge negative thinking with this app. It’s all just a few taps and swipes away. (Free; Android)
eCBT calm
Implementing some of the many strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy, this app helps users assess their stress levels, practice mindfulness and relaxation skills, and connect their thoughts to feelings and behaviors. The end result is more calm in your everyday life and more awareness of your actions and emotions. ($0.99; iOS)
Happify
Want to kick negative thoughts, nix worry, and dial down stress? The array of engaging games, activity suggestions, and gratitude prompts makes Happify a useful shortcut to a good mood. Designed with input from 18 health and happiness experts, Happify’s positive mood-training program is psychologist approved. Even cooler? Its website links to bonus videos that are sure to make you smile. (Free; iOS)
How Are You
Tracking your moods can help you fight the blues and teach you to tune into positive things. That’s the premise behind this app. But as a bonus, it also allows you to compare your mood with worldwide averages, see which emotions you feel the most, and export your mood tracking data so you can share it with a mental health professional or trusted friend. ($9.99-$12.99; iOS and Android)
MindShift
This straightforward stress management tool helps users re-think what’s stressing them out through a variety of on-screen prompts. At the same time, the app encourages new ways to take charge of anxiety and tune into body signals. (Free; iOS and Andriod)
PTSD Coach
If you suffer from PTSD symptoms, this 24-hour tool that’s linked directly with support services is a valuable thing to download. Available as an app or on the Web, PTSD Coach lets users select the specific issue they want to deal with (from anxiety and anger to insomnia and alienation), and then gives them guidance on how to lift their mood, shift their mindset, and reduce stress. (Free; iOS and Android)
SAM
How do you know what’s pushing you over the edge and reel yourself back in? SAM’s approach is to monitor anxious thoughts, track behavior over time, and use guided self-help exercises to discourage stress. SAM takes it to the next level by offering a “Social Cloud” feature that allows users to confidentially share their progress with an online community for added support. (Free; iOS and Android)
Stop, Breathe, Think!
Got five minutes? That’s enough time to cultivate mindfulness, which can improve your mood, lower stress, and help you feel more compassion toward yourself and the world. Skeptical? Well, consider that mindfulness and happiness tend to go hand-in-hand. And as added incentive, this app can also improve your focus. (Free; iOS and Android)
Stress and Anxiety Companion
Sure, we know that releasing negative thoughts, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in mindful awareness is good for our wellbeing. But that doesn’t mean we actually do it. This app can help make the process a lot easier by guiding you through proven techniques to reduce those off-kilter thoughts and emotions while cultivating a much more present mindset. Additional features allow you to identify anxiety triggers to make sure they don’t catch you off guard. ($4.99; iOS)
We all get anxious only to realize later our anxieties were overblown or irrational. The idea behind Worry Watch is to nip these moments in the bud. This app enables users to track what kick starts their anxiety, note trends in their feelings, observe when the outcomes were harmless, and keep tabs on insights to stop future freakouts. To lower your anxiety even further, Worry Watch is password protected—so whatever you divulge in the diary feature is safe and sound. ($1.99; iOS)
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— Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, and military lifestyle blogger as well as the co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com. Her books Right Side Up and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for military families and her website is filled with tips, inspiration and resources for those looking for direction. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com
*As a member of the #VZWBuzz team I receive various devices and accessories and provide Verizon Wireless tips for military spouses. No additional compensation was given and all opinions stated are my own. As always whenever I talk about products you will get the real scoop not something someone asks me to write 
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