Looking after our mental health matters as much as looking after our physical health. Fortunately, there are many excellent apps designed to support mental health, providing accessible and evidence-based tools to help manage stress, anxiety, and overall well-being. While these apps can be valuable, they work best when used alongside professional therapy to provide structured, personalised support.
1. Headspace
Headspace is a popular mindfulness and meditation app designed to help reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance focus. It offers guided meditation sessions, sleep sounds, and breathing exercises, making it an excellent tool for anyone looking to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine. The app also features special courses focused on stress management, productivity, and relationships. Used in combination with therapy, Headspace can help reinforce relaxation techniques and mindfulness strategies between sessions.
2. Calm
Calm is another highly rated meditation and relaxation app, offering guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep stories narrated by well-known voices. It’s particularly helpful for those struggling with anxiety or insomnia. Calm can complement therapy by encouraging consistent relaxation practices and helping to manage stress levels between appointments.
3. My Possible Self
Developed with input from mental health professionals, My Possible Self offers interactive tools and activities based on clinically recognised techniques such as CBT. It helps users track their mood and recognise patterns over time. When used in conjunction with therapy, it can provide additional insights that may enhance treatment outcomes.
4. MoodMission
MoodMission is designed to help people struggling with anxiety and depression by suggesting “missions” based on how they’re feeling. These missions include exercises, mindfulness practices, and cognitive strategies to improve mental well-being. When used alongside therapy, MoodMission can reinforce techniques and help people keep practising between sessions. It is a paid app, costing about £4, and it has not been updated since November 2023.
5. DistrACT
The DistrACT app is aimed at people who struggle with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. It provides information, self-help strategies, and crisis support to help users manage distressing feelings. The app is designed for young people and adults, offering discreet access to guidance, coping techniques, and links to professional help, including emergency contacts. It was developed with input from NHS professionals and people with lived experience.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, please don’t wait for a therapy appointment. We are not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call NHS 111 (option 2), contact your GP, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. In an emergency, call 999.
Using mental health apps alongside therapy
These apps can be useful on their own, and many people also use them alongside therapy. A qualified Clinical Psychologist can provide personalised support, guidance, and insight and these apps can be a great way to support your progress and apply what you learn between sessions.
If you’d like to explore therapy options, our clinic offers expert support tailored to your needs. Get in touch to find out how professional therapy, combined with these digital tools, can enhance your well-being.
