10 Mental Health Apps You Need to Try in 2024
If you’re like me, balancing work and life in a sedentary routine, your mental health might not always get the attention it deserves. Between endless meetings, emails, and trying to squeeze in a bit of downtime, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, here’s the good news: in 2024, we have a wealth of mental health apps at our fingertips, each designed to help with issues like anxiety, depression, and overall behavioral health.
I’ve tried my fair share of these apps, and I’m here to share the top 10 you should check out. These apps are perfect for those looking for quick, accessible mental health support on their own terms—whether you’re dealing with anxiety syndrome, stress from work, or simply wanting to check in on your mental wellness.
Let’s dive into my favorite picks that could make a real difference in how you feel day to day.
1. Headspace
Best for: Mindfulness & Meditation
When my mind feels like it’s running at 100 mph, Headspace is where I turn for help. It’s a meditation app designed for beginners and seasoned users alike. With everything from quick 5-minute guided sessions to longer, deep-dive meditations, it’s ideal for reducing anxiety and helping you focus.
- Why I love it: The “SOS” sessions are lifesavers when I feel an anxiety attack coming on.
- Check it out here.
2. Calm
Best for: Relaxation & Sleep
On days when falling asleep feels impossible, Calm is my go-to app. It has a wide array of sleep stories, relaxation exercises, and calming soundscapes that help ease my mind after a long day.
- Why I love it: I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my sleep quality, which in turn helps me manage signs of anxiety better.
- Download Calm here.
3. BetterHelp
Best for: Therapy On-The-Go
Therapy can be a game-changer, but finding the right therapist nearby can be tough. That’s where BetterHelp shines. It connects you with licensed therapists directly through the app, making it easy to schedule therapy sessions around your busy life.
- Why I love it: It feels great to have access to a behavioral health near me solution right on my phone, especially during challenging times.
- Find more info on BetterHelp here.
4. Talkspace
Best for: Convenient Online Therapy
Like BetterHelp, Talkspace provides virtual therapy but also offers additional features like medication management. It’s perfect for people who may be experiencing signs of depression but have a packed schedule and need flexible therapy options.
- Why I love it: I can chat with my therapist anytime through text, video, or audio, making therapy feel like less of a commitment and more like self-care.
- Explore Talkspace here.
5. Sanvello
Best for: Anxiety & Depression Support
When I’m feeling particularly anxious or low, Sanvello is a great app to lean on. It offers CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques, guided meditations, and mood tracking to help manage anxiety syndrome and depression.
- Why I love it: The daily mood check-ins give me insight into my mental state and help me spot potential signs of depression early.
- Learn more about Sanvello here.
6. Moodfit
Best for: Tracking Mental Health & Fitness
If you’re looking for an all-in-one app to support both mental and physical wellness, Moodfit is worth a try. It offers tools to track mood, sleep, and even gratitude practices, which help combat signs of anxiety.
- Why I love it: It integrates mental health support with physical health tracking, which helps me get a complete picture of how my mind and body work together.
- Get started with Moodfit here.
7. Woebot
Best for: AI-Powered CBT Coaching
Yes, AI can be your personal mental health coach! Woebot uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help users manage anxiety and depression. It’s like having a chatbot therapist in your pocket. When I feel a spike in anxiety or notice any signs of depression, Woebot offers science-backed strategies to help shift my mindset.
- Why I love it: It’s like a mini therapist I can talk to whenever I need without waiting for an appointment.
- Check out Woebot here.
8. Youper
Best for: Emotional Health Monitoring
Youper is an emotional health assistant that helps me identify and understand patterns in my thoughts and feelings. The AI-based app offers journaling prompts and mood-tracking features that support my mental health journey.
- Why I love it: It’s easy to use and provides personalized insights based on my entries, helping me catch early signs of anxiety.
- Try Youper here.
9. Happify
Best for: Stress & Positive Thinking
Sometimes, we just need to shift our perspective. Happify provides science-based activities and games to help reduce anxiety and improve your overall outlook. It’s fun but also rooted in positive psychology techniques.
- Why I love it: The app’s upbeat approach makes working on my mental health feel less like a chore and more like a daily boost of positivity.
- Find out more about Happify here.
10. Simple Habit
Best for: On-Demand Meditation
If you’re always on the go (like me), Simple Habit is a fantastic app for fitting in meditation whenever you can. Whether I’m at work or taking a quick break at home, it’s easy to jump into a 5-minute session to reset my mind and reduce anxiety.
- Why I love it: The quick meditations make it simple to manage stress in real-time, preventing me from reaching the point of an anxiety attack.
- Try Simple Habit here.
Final Thoughts on Mental Health Apps in 2024
As someone who’s juggled a busy schedule and dealt with the ebb and flow of my mental health, these apps have been a game-changer. Whether you’re experiencing signs of depression, managing ongoing anxiety syndrome, or just need a quick mental reset during your day, these tools offer easy-to-use support right from your phone.
Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help—whether it’s through an app, a professional, or a friend. We all deserve to prioritize our mental well-being, and I hope these apps help make that process easier for you, just like they have for me.
Have you tried any mental health apps before, or is there one here that stands out to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Do share us in comments below.