Seven Apps to Boost Your Mood...
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
So you are feeling sad and alone….you reach for your phone and at that moment it can either help or hurt. Social media apps can lead to your feeling discouraged or depleted.
But there are many apps out there that can help boost your mood. They can even help you feel more connected. Here is a shortlist of some helpful mental health apps...added plus… they are free!
Need a therapist in your pocket?
Woebot: Your Self-Care Expert - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.woebot&hl=en_US&gl=Utions, S
Woebot is an interactive self-care expert. It uses CBT (Cognitive Behavorial Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and Mindfulness to help you think through situations, track your mood and build skills. It can help you challenge symptoms of depression, anxiety and relationship stress. You can actually learn about yourself while using this App!
What’s Up? - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jacksontempra.apps.whatsup&hl=en_US&gl=US
What’s Up? A wonderful free app that uses basic CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) methods to help you cope with overwhelming feelings. It does this by guiding you to identify negative thinking patterns, adopt metaphors, grounding exercise, breathing exercise, and much more.
Need to cope... quick?
Calm Harm - https://calmharm.co.uk/
Calm Harm is an app developed by a clinical psychologist for teenagers who self harm. It uses DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to help you manage these types of urges. The truth is, this app is helpful for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety or depression and wants new skills to cope.
Worry Breath - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/worry-breath/id1454134441
Worry Breath is an app that helps you use the Box Breathing technique, to manage stress and improve sense of calm. It uses a simple visualization to help you learn this breathing exercise and focus. By using Box Breathing, you may improve your ability to disengage from distracting thoughts and sensations in the moment.
Need to remember good things in your life?
Virtual Hope Box - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t2.vhb&hl=en_US&gl=US
The Virtual Hope Box contains simple tools to help with coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking. It offers a way to store multimedia content that is personally supportive in times of need (family photo, videos, recorded messages, quotes, music etc.). Like the others, it helps you access relaxation exercises, guided imagery, controlled breathing and muscle relaxation.
What about fun ways to connect with others?
(The old fashion way - with help)
Love nudge App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grootersproductions.challenge&hl=en_US&gl=US
Love nudge is a relationship-building app that helps you to express your affection in ways that are most meaningful to your partner. It is based on the concepts of Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages. You and your partner can use the app to improve communication and intimacy. Learn more about the 5 love languages here!
Gottman Card Decks (age 17 and up) - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.carddecks&hl=en_US&gl=US
Filled with relationship building cards used to help with different ways to connect with your partner. There are 14 card decks in the app. They are used to help you express feelings, ask probing questions, plan a date night, and overall strengthen your connection. Learn more about Gottman’s couples work here https://www.gottman.com/
Apps are fun and helpful but working with an actual therapist can be life-changing. Psychotherapy can provide a safe place to take a deeper look at those issues of depression, anxiety, and self-doubt.
If you have any questions, or simply want to learn more about how a therapist can help you cope with overwhelming feelings, don’t hesitate to reach out using the form below.
