Anxiety can be challenging, but thanks to today’s technology, there are numerous apps designed to help you manage and understand your emotions more effectively. Today, we’d like to share a few apps that you should consider downloading to support your journey
Ahead
Ahead has been coined as “The Duolingo for your emotional intelligence”. A handy pocket therapist, built by scientists trained at Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard university it has several benefits users might find useful in managing their anxiety. Using short, science-based lessons, interactive reflections and mood tracking, individuals can gain a better understanding of their emotions. From finding techniques that work for you, to celebrating wins and acknowledging setbacks, there are a variety of tools available on the app.
Bearable
Bearable is great for helping to visualize your health and symptoms, which allows you to better monitor trends and patterns so you can understand how habits, treatments and other factors impact your mental health. It tracks your mood, symptoms, energy, habits, activities and treatments, as well as creates custom health factors based on your needs, spots patterns, and allows you to share data with medical professionals (if you choose).
Booster Buddy
Booster Buddy is designed primarily for teens and young adults but is helpful for all ages. You pick an animated companion (like a raccoon, fox, or bunny) and each day “wake them up” by completing three small quests, like mood check-ins, selfcare tasks, or breathing exercises, which earn you coins to personalize your buddy island. You can also track mood, medications, appointments, and access a library to help with subjects like depression, anxiety, and OCD, and crisis plans with emergency contacts and support.
Calm
Calm moves away from conventional spiritual methods and embraces a more straightforward approach to relaxation. Enjoy the soothing voices of celebrities like Cynthia Erivo, Matthew McConaughey, Idris Elba, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Garner (just to name a few!) to help you unwind or drift off to sleep. If calming music is more your style, the app offers a variety of options to help you relax. With guided meditations, breathing exercises, and calming techniques, the Calm app is designed to promote relaxation and alleviate stress.
Headspace
Headspace helps with meditation, focus and sleep, with the aim for mindfulness to become a daily habit to benefit your body and mind. With guided mediation, courses, and exercises at a variety of levels, you are sure to find something to incorporate into your everyday life. From soothing stories to music to help stay focused, Headspace is a great option to help with mental health.
Anxiety doesn’t have a definitive “cure,” but there are various resources and actions you can take to alleviate your symptoms, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling life with reduced anxiety. Trying different apps, like the ones we have discussed today, or implementing other techniques can help you to navigate your emotions, while providing support at the touch of your fingertips!
If you or someone you know is facing an anxiety disorder, don’t hesitate to seek help. Remember, reaching out for support is a vital step in managing anxiety. In Alberta, you can contact the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642. This service is available around the clock to offer support, information, and referrals for those dealing with mental health issues. For additional support resources across Canada, check out these links.
