5 great apps for mental health self-care

Let’s be completely honest. Social distancing has been hard and you’re absolutely not alone if you’ve been feeling a bit out of sorts, low or anxious. COVID-19 has turned all our lives upside down.

And while being apart is very tough, the silver lining is that thanks to the internet, we now have access to more resources than ever before. If you’re in need of a little lift or a little mental health self-care, here are five of our favourite apps that can help.

Please note: Of course if you’re feeling very, very low or if your anxiety is having a severely negative impact on your daily life, we absolutely recommend reading out to your GP or a loved one for some support.

1. Sanvello (Free, with a subscription option)
The number one app for stress, anxiety and depression, this handy little app is like having a therapist in your pocket. Simply create an account and log in and you’ll have access to self-care suggestions, peer support from a community of others, coaching and more. Featuring daily check-ins, mini mediations and more, Sanvello is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness – both which have been shown to provide effective relief for mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression
For more information log on to www.sanvello.com

2. Insight timer (Free, with a subscription option)
With over 15 million users, Insight Timer is ideal for anyone looking to incorporate a meditation or mindfulness practice into their self-care routine. Countless studies have shown the benefits that these practices can have in terms of our mental health, and with a free guided meditation library featuring thousands of videos from world-class teachers, Insight Timer is a great place to get started. While a subscription option is available, the free option is absolutely excellent.
For more information log on to www.insighttimer.com

3. Self-help for Anxiety Management SAM (Free)
Developed in collaboration with a research team from the University of the West of England in Bristol, SAM is the perfect app if you’re struggling with anxiety and if meditation doesn’t appeal to you. Featuring a thought tracker and 25 different self-help techniques, SAM helps you to build your own anxiety toolkit that’s completely personalised to you. There’s also the option to confidentially connect with others via an online community if you feel you need some additional support.
For more information see the Apple app store

4. Happify (Free, but does require a subscription for some features)
In need of a mood-boost? Happify is a psychologist-approved app that helps you to, well, feel happier. The app encourages you to train your brain to focus on the good gradually so you not only feel happier, you also spend less time focusing on negative thoughts. You can play games, try some exercises and it won’t be long before you start feeling a positive shift.
For more information log on to www.happify.com

5. Calm (Free trial, but subscription required thereafter)
Yes this app does require a subscription, but the free trial is absolutely worth experiencing. This sleek app is ideal for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety and offers beautifully crafted meditations, breathing programmes, relaxing music and (our favourite) bedtime stories – soothing stories designed to help you drift off into a peaceful sleep.
For more information log on to www.calm.com