The internet and smartphones have changed our lives completely. Our phones are basically handheld computers and most of us take them everywhere. For that reason, they can be a wonderful tool in managing our mental health.
There are wonderful apps that have been developed to decrease symptoms of depression. Although these apps are not a replacement for depression treatment, they can be a wonderful supplement to therapy.
Depression can lead people to isolate and struggle with finding motivation and follow through towards their goals. Therefore, using an app on your phone is a great way have access to great resources right at your fingertips.
I focused on apps that are available for Android and iPhone and are free to use. Here is a list of 5 apps that you can try to manage your depressive symptoms this year.
Smartphone Apps for Depression
Happify: Depression can result in the world seeming gray, lifeless and dull. Many people with depression struggle to feel happy at all. Some people ranging from terrible to not bad and others moving from not bad to ok. This app is based on science with the goal of making you feel happier. Although there is a paid Happify Plus, the base of the app is completely free. Happify contains psychologist approved games, writing activities, guided relaxation/mediation and mindfulness activities. The app strives to reduce your stress, increase gratitude, overcome negative thoughts/feelings and build self-confidence.
What’s Up: This app was created using the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. This app is clear and simple to use. It features a diary, breathing techniques, positive quotes/metaphors and a game to increase grounding skills. It also tackles negative thinking patterns and creates positive habits, while decreasing negative ones.
Calm Harm: Many people struggle with urges to self-harm. These urges can become overwhelming and/or addictive. The Calm Harm app was developed in consultation with a psychologist using the foundational principles of Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT). The urge to self-harm is like a wave that builds and then releases. If you can get past the crest, the urge will start to subside. The Calm Harm app is password protected to ensure that it is private. It allows you to personalize your experience by changing colors and adding characters. With the app, you can track your urges and identify patterns and trends. There are four categories of tasks to help you ‘ride the wave’: Distract, Comfort, Express Yourself and Release. You can spend 5 minutes on each activity or set a 15 minute countdown clock to help pass the time.
Not Ok: This app is a suicide prevention app created by two teenagers. The Not Ok app is created as a digital panic button to reach out for help when you need it. You can add 5 trusted contacts. Then, if you are struggling with urges to hurt yourself or need to reach out to someone who cares you can push your digital panic button and send your GPS location to your trusted contacts. They will be sent a clear, simple message alerting them that you need help with your current location. When the urge passes, they can mark themselves safe and update their contacts that they are ok.
Colorify: Adult coloring pages have become incredibly popular in recent years. This is a digital way to enjoy the same soothing/coping skill on the go. Since most people always have their phone close by, this allows you to have complex adult coloring pages wherever you are.
Are you interested in learning more about Depression Counseling?
I hope you find some of these apps helpful in reducing your depression symptoms. If you would like additional information on treatment for depression, call or contact me to make an appointment or to inquire further about depression services or a consultation.