In the last few years, there has been a growing trend of people using mobile apps to help improve their mental health. A recent study by Deloitte found that people who use mental health apps reported feeling better after just ten days of usage. And 32% said they had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression after using the app.
There are several reasons why mobile apps can be so effective in improving mental health. Let’s take a look at some.
Convenient To Use
First, they are convenient and easy to use. You can access them anytime, anywhere. All you need is a smartphone. This is especially helpful for people who have busy schedules or live in remote areas.
Moreover, mobile apps can be used in various ways to suit your needs. You can use them for self-monitoring, tracking your mood, or relaxation and stress relief. For instance, psychotherapy apps can provide you with support and guidance when you need it. They can also help you keep track of your progress and monitor your thoughts and feelings.
Some apps also provide you with educational resources about mental health. This can be very useful in increasing your understanding of mental health conditions and how to manage them.
Affordable
Another reason mobile apps are so popular is that they are usually very affordable. Many of them are free or have very low-cost subscription plans. This makes them accessible to people of all income levels.
Even if you have to pay for an app, it is likely much cheaper than traditional therapy or medication. And you can use it as often as you need without worrying about the cost.
Privacy
Another advantage of using mobile apps is that they offer a high degree of privacy. You can use them in the comfort of your own home. And you don’t have to worry about anyone else knowing about your mental health condition.
This is especially important for people who are reluctant to seek help from a therapist or counselor. Additionally, it can be very helpful for people living in small towns or rural areas with a stigma attached to mental health.
Greater Engagement
Mobile apps can also help you to be more engaged in your treatment. For instance, some apps allow you to log your mood and track your progress over time. This can help you see your treatment’s impact and make necessary adjustments.
Some apps also provide reminders to take medication or keep up with therapy appointments. This can help improve adherence and ensure you get the most out of your treatment.
Better Access To Care
Finally, mobile apps can help to improve access to care. For instance, some apps offer 24/7 support and guidance. This can be very helpful for people who live in remote areas or have difficulty leaving the house.
Mobile apps can also help connect you with a therapist or counselor. This can be very helpful if you don’t have access to mental health services in your area.
Types of Mental Health Apps
A wide variety of mental health apps can help with different types of mental illness. For example, some apps can help you manage your anxiety symptoms and develop healthy coping skills if you’re struggling with anxiety.
If you’re dealing with depression, there are apps that can help you track your moods, set goals, and connect with a supportive community. There are also apps for people dealing with eating disorders, substance abuse, OCD, and PTSD.
Mental Health Apps That Have Research-Backed Evidence
Not all mental health apps are created equal. Some have more research-backed evidence than others. Here are a few examples of mental health apps that have been proven to be effective in improving mental health:
This app helps users manage their stress levels by teaching them how to do diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
This app helps users learn how to meditate and manage their stress levels through mindfulness practices.
Calm
This app offers a variety of tools to help users relax, including guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and more.
Headspace
This app provides users with 10-minute meditation sessions that can be done anywhere at any time.
myTherapy
This app helps users keep track of their medication schedule, track their moods over time, set goals for themselves, and more.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, there’s no shame in seeking professional help-whether through traditional therapy or mobile apps. As discussed in the blog, a wide variety of mental health apps available can help with different types of mental illness. So if you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to improve your mental health, consider downloading a mental health app today.
