These seven apps could help you manage your Mental Health.

If you haven’t been feeling like your ‘usual’ self for an extended space of time or you feel as though stress, anxiety or depression is affecting your quality of life then it could be time to make some changes.
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While I don’t recommend seeking help exclusively online, there are some innovative apps that can make a difference to your daily life or may be used in conjunction in-person therapy. Here are the most highly recommended apps on the market at the moment – perhaps one or two might make a difference for you.

Calm
This little gem was named Apple’s 2017 app of the year, it’s also available on Android for free. It has quickly become one of the highest rated apps around whether you’ve tried meditation before or not. Its primary function is to relax you using a variety of methods such as sleep stories, guided meditations, breathing programs and relaxing sounds.
 
Headspace
Prior to using this app I always had the notion that meditation was for hippies until the ‘least hippy’ friend I have recommended it to me in 2015. I gave it a shot and the rest is history. It’s the only app on this list which comes with a fee ($12.99) however I highly recommend it - it’s just so good. Headspace takes a few minutes out of your day and clears your mind in a way that leaves you feeling sharp and focused to tackle the tasks ahead.
 
Whats Up
What’s Up which is free on iOs and Android uses Cognitive Behavioural therapy and Acceptance Commitment therapy methods to help uses manage stress, anxiety, depression and more it uses systems that can help you pinpoint emotions and stop negative internal monologues.
 
SAM (Self-help for Anxiety Management)
If meditation isn’t your thing and you’re looking for an alternative way to cope with anxiety, SAM might be for you. Each user is able to put together their own tool kit that allows you to track anxious thoughts and behaviour overtime while picking up 25 different techniques to deal with anxiety along the way.

Quit That!
This is another free app available only on iOs which assists in helping you beat your addictions by monitoring your progress. Perhaps you’d like to cut down on drinking alcohol or stop smoking. It also allows you to track how many minutes, hours, days months or years its been since you quit.
 
Happify
This app features a psychologist approved mood training program. It focuses on systems in the areas of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, positive psychology and mindfulness and includes various techniques, online games and gratitude prompts to train your brain to think more positively, after all the brain is a muscle that should be flexed. It’s also free and available on both Android and Apple.
 
PTSD Coach
This app assists with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and offers everything from self-assessment to positive self-talk and anger management which often stems from depression. You can customise the app depending on your needs and preferences while incorporating your own photos and music etc. 

Looking for some practical advice to cope with everyday stress? Read Mental Health a conversation to be had.

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