6 apps that want to improve our mental health

Mobile phone addiction can harm our mental health, but devices also offer options that, when used responsibly, can strengthen it. 'Coaching', support, assessment or meditation are some of the functions they offer.

We have compiled a list of the most relevant applications that aim to improve our mental health, a reality that will affect one in four people throughout their lives and that the WHO predicts will be "the leading cause of disability" worldwide by 2030.

Sanvello

This application measures levels of anxiety, depression and stress through a questionnaire , and offers us an exercise guide to achieve our goals chosen from several options, including improving our social skills to being happier or reducing anxiety.

Designed by psychology professionals, it provides information about anxiety and depression, suggests that the user set SMART goals and also offers audios for doing meditation exercises. All of this using cognitive-behavioral therapy for managing emotions.

The periodic exercise guide is complemented by an option of relaxing sounds to practice mindfulness at bedtime or while taking a break to go for a walk.

The app also monitors moods weekly and offers whiteboards to write down thoughts, goals, and healthy habits . It also has diverse communities where you can share them with more people who are going through the same situation.

The paid option also offers contact with therapists . Although it does not replace therapy, it could be a first step towards approaching it and getting rid of taboos still rooted in our society.

Miracle Mode

This application developed by a person with a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is specifically designed for this group, which requires specific resources that are different from the mental health group in its broader sense. Although there are many realities within the autism spectrum, people with autism tend to be extremely sensitive to stimuli.

That's why Miracle Modus was born , to focus the attention of these people when external stimuli become too stressful. It has a simple interface with hypnotic shapes formed by stripes, squares or colored spirals, which allow a certain interaction, and which are complemented by music. The environment is customizable so that each person can make it their own.

Emotionalmanagement.cat

The Department of Health launched this web app following the increase in cases of mental health diagnoses among children and youth with the pandemic. The tool assesses the emotional state of the user in order to identify their needs and provide support in normalizing the emotions that the health crisis has unleashed.

It offers resources, advice and guidance depending on the case, as well as professional resources such as health care information numbers. It is aimed at both adolescents and young people and families who are concerned about their health.

TCApp

This application is used as a complement to therapies that treat Eating Disorders (EDs) such as anorexia and bulimia, also on the rise among young people due to the health crisis. It is used only under medical prescription and helps therapists to keep in touch and monitor the process of people with these realities.

From the perspective of gamification and 'serious games', the app allows the user to record their emotions, explain their diet and take photographs, record their experiences and share them with the therapist, and receive communications from the professional, in addition to earning prizes as they progress.

In this way, the therapist can monitor them daily, identify risk situations, communicate with the person and use the reports to draw conclusions.

Notok

Hanna Lucas suffered from anxiety and depression due to a physical condition that caused her to faint. All she wanted was a way to let her family and friends know she wasn't okay. And so, with her brother Charlie, notOK was born , a very simple app that consists of a "free digital panic button " that can offer us immediate support from our trusted contacts. 

Asking for help is not always easy or quick when suffering from mental health problems. With this tool, when the user clicks the button, trusted contacts receive an alert with the user's location and respond whether or not they can help.

At the same time, the application offers an animated video with a breathing exercise to the user, who receives a notification when any of the contacts responds affirmatively. In case they need immediate help, the application provides emergency telephone numbers. Finally, they can press the "I'm Ok" button to notify trusted contacts that they no longer need help.

The tool, which is available only in English, also offers mental health first aid training and advice for those who become trusted contacts.

Headspace

This app is designed to help people integrate meditation and mindfulness into their daily lives. Founded by Andy Puddicombe, the app focuses on making meditation accessible and practical for anyone, regardless of their level of experience. The platform offers a variety of guided meditations , from short sessions for beginners to more extensive programs for advanced users.

Headspace works by presenting an intuitive interface that allows users to select from different types of meditation , such as those aimed at reducing stress, improving sleep, concentrating better, etc. The meditations are led by a calm and reassuring voice , guiding users through exercises that encourage mindfulness and relaxation. 

In addition to guided meditations, the app also includes progress tracking features , daily reminders to meditate, and special packages designed for specific situations, such as work stress or moments of anxiety.