Taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. With stress, busy schedules, and the fast pace of everyday life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This Time to Talk Day, think about taking a minute to talk to a loved one or make some positive steps towards your well-being. Thankfully, plenty of apps are designed to provide support, guidance, and relaxation. In this article, I’ll share my experience with some of these apps for mental health and briefly overview others you might find helpful.
Disclaimer
The below app recommendations are based on personal experiences.If you need immediate mental health assistance, please seek expert advice via the NHS mental health page or contact a Samaritan any time, day or night
Finch
(Image credit: Finch App)
What is it?
Finch is a delightful self-care companion that helps you track your mood, set goals, and practise mindfulness through small, achievable daily tasks. The interface features a cute pet bird character (your “Finch”) that grows and thrives as you nurture your mental health.
My Experience:
I’m currently using Finch. It’s like having a Tamagotchi that also helps your mental health. I love how it breaks self-care down into manageable steps. Whether I’m logging my mood, writing a few lines in a journal, drinking a glass of water, or taking a quick moment to breathe, the bite-sized tasks keep me motivated and remind me to look after myself. Plus, watching my Finch grow is a fun little bonus that keeps me coming back.
Headspace
(Image credit: Headspace)
What is it?
Headspace is one of the most popular mindfulness apps out there. It offers guided meditations, sleep casts (for better rest), and short animations that make learning about mindfulness feel relaxed and welcoming.
My Experience:
I’ve used Headspace in the past, and it was good for introducing me to meditation. However, personally, I cannot shut off long enough for meditation, but it’s a popular form of stress relief and mental health care worldwide and the app is easy to use. If you’re new to mindfulness, Headspace is an excellent place to start.
Calm
(Image credit: Calm)
What is it?
Calm is another big name in the mindfulness world. It covers meditation, sleep stories, calming music, and stretching sessions to help you unwind. The app is visually appealing, with plenty of soothing backgrounds and sounds.
My Experience:
Calm was part of my mental health toolkit before I switched to Finch. The “sleep stories” were especially helpful when I struggled to drift off at night before I found a number of podcasts that I now use. If you need help winding down and like the idea of being read a bedtime story, Calm is definitely worth checking out. There are also celebrity readers which is a bonus.
Sorted Mental Health
(Image credit: Sorted Mental Health App)
What is it?
Sorted Mental Health is recommended by Mind.org and connects you with mental health professionals and resources, aiming to simplify the journey to finding support. It often includes different therapy options, making it easier for you to decide which treatment might be best for your situation.
Why Try It?
If you feel lost about where to start or who to talk to, Sorted Mental Health can point you in the right direction. They make it straightforward to match with a specialist or therapist who understands your unique needs.
Holly Health Habit
(Image credit: Holly Health App)
What is it?
Holly Health Habit focuses on building healthier daily habits for both mental and physical wellbeing. Instead of overwhelming you with big changes, it uses small, actionable steps to help you create a balanced lifestyle.
Why Try It?
Consistent small habits can make a massive impact over time. If you want to incorporate more mindfulness, movement, or better eating into your routine without drastic changes, Holly Health Habit might be your go-to app.
Young Carers Support
(Image credit: young carers support)
What is it?
Young Carers Support is geared towards people who take on caring responsibilities at home. It provides resources, tips, and a supportive community for those who might feel isolated or stressed due to their role.
Why Try It?
Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but often comes with emotional challenges. This app offers practical advice, access to local resources, and a sense of community that can help young carers manage stress and avoid burnout.
Student Health App
(Image credit: Expert Health Care)
What is it?
Specifically designed for students, the Student Health App covers various health topics, including mental well-being, lifestyle advice, and exam stress management. It’s usually packed with straightforward guidance and quick tips.
Why Try It?
Uni life can be overwhelming with coursework, social pressures, and money worries. Having a resource dedicated to student mental health makes finding relevant, age-specific information and support easier.
Eating Disorder Support
(Image credit: Expert Self Care)
What is it?
Eating Disorder Support offers a safe space for those struggling with disordered eating habits. It can include educational articles, forums, or trackers to help monitor patterns and progress.
Why Try It?
If you’re dealing with body image issues or disordered eating, getting professional help is crucial. This app can serve as a stepping stone by offering guidance, encouragement, and a supportive community.
Lungy
(Image credit: Lungy app via marisajensen)
What is it?
Lungy aids with breathwork, lung exercises, and relaxation techniques. It may include guided respiratory exercises that can help reduce stress and anxiety or simply improve your breathing efficiency.
Why Try It?
Learning to breathe correctly can be incredibly calming. Lungy’s structured exercises can be great for anyone looking to manage anxiety through controlled breathing or simply boost their overall lung health.
Combined Minds
(Image credit: tararuacollege)
What is it?
Combined Minds offers support for families and friends who are helping someone struggling with their mental health. It provides tools and strategies so that carers and loved ones can offer appropriate, understanding support.
Why Try It?
Mental health issues don’t just affect individuals; they impact everyone around them. Combined Minds helps guide friends and family towards empathy, effective communication, and supportive actions that can make a real difference.
Final Thoughts
No two mental health journeys are the same, and that’s why it’s fantastic to have such a diverse range of apps for mental health at our fingertips. Personally, I’m enjoying Finch right now, which I think is one of the top mental health apps for beginners - it gently reminds me to look after myself in small, meaningful ways. In the past, Headspace and Calm played a part in helping me understand mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Though not all of them suited my particular needs, I’d recommend them to anyone starting, especially those with trouble sleeping.
Whether you’re a student, a carer, or someone looking to build better habits, one of the above apps may give you some of the support you need. For a more in-depth and extensive list of helpful mental health apps, visit the Mind.org app library. Though remember, apps can be a great stepping stone, but if you’re experiencing ongoing mental distress, it’s essential to reach out to a healthcare professional for further help. You deserve to feel supported, and these tools are here to remind you that you’re not alone and help is out there.
I started at MyVoucherCodes as a Deal Expert, sourcing top deals and discount codes. I combined these skills with my passion for writing to become an Editor, helping readers save money. As a former student and homeowner, I understand the need to budget and provide shopping tips, especially for vegetarian and vegan diets. I've also written for publications like The Sun, My Weekly, iPaper and Pick Me Up!
I play video games, write reviews for GameReport in my spare time, and love trying out the latest tech gadgets. I also enjoy DIY projects, having worked in a tool store and renovated my home on a budget.
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