8 free apps to manage anxiety and depression

Using an app to manage anxiety and depression can offer important benefits, according to recent research. Because cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a long-proven method of treatment for mood disorders, apps that help you stick to those therapies are the most helpful.

As we’ve discussed in CVC’s Community magazine, both anxiety and depression are common experiences for those with chronic illness. Even if you don’t have mood-related therapies to stick to, some of the following apps might help you relax, de-stress and stay in tune with your emotional state—all important parts of managing a chronic illness.

See which of these free apps might work for your needs:

 

Treatment tracking apps

Catch It

Available on iOS and Android

The Universities of Liverpool and Manchester in the United Kingdom commissioned the creation of this app for a joint project and study on how well CBT techniques can treat mental health concerns through an app. They found it was useful especially in reducing the intensity of negative moods and increasing positive moods.

The app includes a mood diary and a mood tracker, as well as tips for reflecting on your emotions.

 

T2 Mood Tracker

Available on iOS and Android

Apps like this allow you to track your emotional health by plugging in the details to analyze or track progress day by day. Researchers found this can make CBT more effective. You can export your records to share with a clinician.

Developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, this app won first place for general wellness in the Apps4Army competition.

 

MindShift

Available on iOS and Android

MindShift offers both tracking and extensive tools for calming yourself, reflecting, breathing and even sleeping better. An anxiety-awareness nonprofit, AnxietyBC, created the app along with BC Children’s Hospital.

This review includes useful information for users and clinicians to get the most out of MindShift.

 

Relaxation apps

Breathe2Relax

Available on iOS and Android

To manage stress, Breathe2Relax uses findings from studies (like this one) demonstrating breath’s power to slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure. The app, developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, walks users through deep breathing exercises with animations, narration and videos.

 

Relax Melodies

Available on iOS only

Lots of apps offer relaxing sounds. Relaxing sounds can help you sleep, which can cut back on anxiety and improve overall help. Meditation and relaxation in general are good for coping with anxiety and depression.

Relax Melodies is a popular and highly rated app that includes sound options for sleep and mediation. A premium version does cost money, but plenty of sound options are available in the free version.

 

Accountability/Networking

Project Toe

Available on iOS and Android

By setting up a profile on Project Toe, you can join communities where you can seek help for struggles you have: depression, anxiety, self-harm, cancer. You can also respond to others seeking help.

The idea behind this is related to social therapy or social support and the positive impact it has on anxiety and depression.

 

Koko

Available on iOS only

Koko is an app that came out of a social network, Panoply, created for people with depression. The network is meant to combat the social isolation that can worsen symptoms of depression and one study showed Panoply has a positive impact.

This interview with the app’s creator, Rob Morris, who has a doctorate from MIT Media Lab, helps explain the app and how it can be effective.

 

Information-only

NIH depression information

Available on Android only

This app by the National Institutes of Health offers factual information on depression. Its categories are: symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments.

Also find a careful look at how to evaluate useful apps for depression at NIH.gov: Finding a Depression App.

Most effective mental health apps are most helpful the more you return to them. So resist the urge to download them all and pick one to start with as you manage anxiety and depression, then go from there.

Contact us

Did you enjoy this story? Email us your comments and questions and let's keep the conversation going. We encourage you to engage with us and other readers by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Every person's journey is unique, and every perspective is valuable to us.