Stressed? Anxious? Of Course There’s an App for That

Technology may occasionally contribute to your stress, but it can also be a valuable resource. These are the top 15 apps for mental health.

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Could a mental health app help you?

Each year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 50 percent of the Canadian population will have or had a mental illness by the age of 40. Youth are also at risk with an estimated 10-20 percent affected. (The number is only an estimation because too often mental health disorders go undiagnosed. In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services actually receives them.)

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, the experts at Yellowbrick, a psychiatric center in Evanston IL, are sharing the top rated mental health apps.

Related: 13 Things Psychologists Wish You Knew About Happiness

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Mental Health App: Calm

Focus: Anxiety. Think: guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs and relaxing music to increase mindfulness.

Year released: 2017

Cost: Free (upgrade for $60/year)

Related: How to Have ‘The Talk’ About Your Mental Illness

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Mental Health App: Moodnotes

Focus: Mood. Use the journal to improve thinking habits and avoid thought traps.

Year released: 2015

Cost: $4/month

Related: 8 Signs You Might Be Depressed

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Mental Health App: Headspace

Focus: Meditation. The app’s guided meditation lessons will help to improve mindfulness.

Year released: 2012

Cost: Free (upgrade for $10/month)

Related: How Diet Affects Your Mental Health

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Mental Health App: Pacifica

Focus: Anxiety & Stress. Think: mindfulness meditation, relaxation and mood tracking exercises to reduce negative thoughts.

Year released: 2016

Cost: Free (upgrade for $4/month)

Related: DIY Detox – How to Know When It’s Time to Power Off

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Mental Health App: Talkspace

Focus: Therapy. This therapy and counselling app connects users with therapists.

Year released: 2013

Cost: Free (upgrade for $99/month)

Related: Mariah Carey Opens Up About Her Struggle With Mental Health

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Mental Health App: Anxiety Relief Hypnosis

Focus: Anxiety. These 30 minute audio sessions help reduce anxiety though hypnosis

Year released: 2013

Cost: Free

Related: 13 Medical Conditions That Could Be Triggering Your Anxiety

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Mental Health App: DBT Diary Card & Skills Coach

Focus: Therapy. The app has a behaviours and skills coach to transform negative thinking.

Year released: 2011

Cost: $5/month

Related: 5 Ways to Beat Loneliness

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Mental Health App: Daylio

Focus: Mood. Track your mood and view personal statistics

Year released: 2017

Cost: Free

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Mental Health App: Moodpath

Focus: Anxiety & Depression. Depression screening with professional assessment.

Year released: 2015

Cost: Free

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Mental Health App: iCBT

Focus: Anxiety & stress. Think: logging events, thoughts and outcomes to correct distorted thinking patterns.

Year released: 2010

Cost: $6/month

Related: 22 Ways to Remind Yourself That You’re Worthy

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Mental Health App: Moodkit

Focus: Mood. Rate and chart your mood and use activities to improve your mood.

Year released: 2011

Cost: $5/month

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Mental Health App: Anxiety Coach

Focus: Anxiety. Use it to record anxieties over time to identify triggers that cause them.

Year released: 2012

Cost: $3/month

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Mental Health App: 7 Cups

Focus: Anxiety & Stress. Look for exercises and activities to help you deal with sadness, stress and loneliness.

Year released: 2013

Cost: Free

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Mental Health App: Worry Watch

Focus: Anxiety. Think: logging, tracking and analyzing worries to change negative perception.

Year released: 2013

Cost: $3/month

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Mental Health App: Thinkup

Focus: Positivity. Think: affirmations and progress tracking to help achieve goals.

Year released: 2014

Cost: Free

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