Since phone apps are becoming such a big part of our lives, I thought I’d share some smartphone apps that may be helpful for mental health. (Please note that these apps are not a substitute for professional help for mental illnesses.)
WellMind: This app allows you to track your mood every day, as well as things that you are looking forward to, achieving, and grateful for. After tracking these things, you can view your mood calendar to see any trends. The app also provides advice, body map, and steps to helping yourself with stress, anxiety, and depression. Last but not least, there is a cute snake game incorporate into the app to keep your entertained when you are bored. Personally, my favorite part about this app is being able to have a mini gratitude journal in a calendar.
Anti-Stress Quotes: This is a very simple app with a large set of anti-stress quotes for you to flip through. I personally find that the greatest thing about this app is that it is simple. You can open it and flip through the quotes, putting a star on the ones that you like, and you can also choose the option of only seeing starred quotes that you like. Most of the quotes are very insightful, calming, and allow you to see things from a different perspective.
Cognitive Diary: This allows you to keep a diary and record of any events that trigger emotions in you. For each event, you can write down the event, the emotions you experience, thoughts you have about the event (and how much you believe in them), irrational beliefs you have about it, a challenge or new way of thinking that you have for yourself to feel better (and how much you believe in it), and your comments/plans. Explanations will be provided for the 3 irrational beliefs you select, regarding what they mean and what they can do to you. You can also view your past events in the “History” section. Furthermore, you can customize the app by adding to the emotion list and irrational beliefs list. This app allows you to keep track of the events and emotions that bother you, recognize irrational thoughts, and work to help yourself feel better and plan future actions.
Relax with Andrew Johnson: This is another simple app. The voice in the app talks to you and instructs you on ways to relax, with calming music in the background. I find the man’s voice to be very relaxing and the pace to be appropriate. You can pause or fast-forward any time. When I first saw the app’s description, I did not think it would be helpful. However, after using it, I do think it’s a good way to relax and feel more connected with yourself and your body.
Written by Jenny Li