10 of the Best Apps for Better Mental Health

on September 1, 2015

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Technology for a Better You

While living in a smartphone-filled world is incredibly overwhelming at times, technology can also be our friend when it comes to achieving better mental health. Here are some of our favorite health apps dedicated to helping you on your path to wellness of the mind.

Superbetter

Superbetter

When Jane McGonigal suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009, she designed a game to help her on her path to recovery. The resulting app, Superbetter, has now helped people achieve goals from recovering from addiction to dealing with anxiety. The app is designed to reward you for "small wins," keeping you motivated, and friends and family using the app can encourage you in achieving your goals.

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Talkspace

Getting connected with a therapist has never been easier. With Talkspace, users can set up sessions with over 200 licensed therapists from the ease of their phones. While video sessions are available, one of the most popular features of the app is Unlimited Messaging Therapy, where you can communicate with your therapist via instant message.

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Sleep Cycle

It's a well-known fact that most of us aren't getting enough sleep, which can have a significant impact on our mood, productivity, and well-being. Sleep Cycle, which acts as a sleep tracking device, monitors your sleep patterns and determines the best time during your cycle to wake you up, leaving you refreshed and ready to start your day.

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The Now

We check our phones dozens of times each day, and the chatter from news alerts, emails, and deadlines can be quite stressful. The Now aims to use that same technology to increase mindfulness of the present moment. Users will receive mindful suggestions or thoughtful quotes to draw them back to the here and now.

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Lantern

Lantern

Lantern makes use of the research behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the interaction between your behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The app helps you to achieve your mental health and life goals with hands-on exercises, practical strategies, and mentoring with real-world life coaches.

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Charity Miles

Increased physical activity is linked to better mental health. But for those who can't seem to find the motivation to start running, Charity Miles has found a tempting solution. For every mile run, corporate sponsors will donate a certain amount to a charity of your choosing. Not only is it a great way to exercise, you'll also feel great while doing it!

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Headspace

Headspace

Developed by Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe, this app instructs users in the art of meditation, a practice which is extraordinarily helpful in reducing anxiety, increasing productivity, and enjoying a better quality of life. Within minutes, you'll be on your way to listening to your inner self.

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5 Minute Yoga

Yoga is one of the most touted practices for better mental and emotional health. Yoga incorporates the focus of meditation with strengthening and soothing physical activity. For just five minutes a day, these easy-yet-effective poses will give you added strength and focus. The app provides instructions, a timer for holding each pose, and optional calming music.

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Optimism

Optimism

Optimism was designed for those suffering with depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. The app monitors patterns and behaviors that affect mood, and then uses this data to identify triggers that may cause an episode. This can help users establish a wellness plan and track progress made.

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Peak

Peak

Brain-training apps have become increasingly popular, and Peak is one of our favorites. A variety of fun, easy-to-understand games develop your cognitive ability in language skills, mental agility, problem-solving, focus and memory.

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