What Are Mental Health Apps?

Mental health apps are tools that can be accessed via your smartphone or mobile device that focus on improving different aspects of mental health and well-being. Such tools may focus on a range of areas related to wellness including relaxation, stress management, and sleep. They may also offer self-help tools, therapeutic activities, and access to treatment delivered by licensed mental health professionals.

Anonymity

Most mental health apps have measures that allow people to find information and access treatment in a way that is private and secure.

How Can I Track My Mood Changes?

Moods can fluctuate considerably, but mental health apps allow users to track daily changes in their moods quickly and efficiently.³ Perhaps most helpful, these tools often incorporate journaling that also allows users to keep track of the events, situations, or thoughts that played a role in the onset of a specific mood.

Such tools can not only help you see what factors affect your mood, but they can also enable you to look for patterns in your moods and emotions over time. You may notice that your mood tends to be lower or higher. By understanding these patterns, you can incorporate lifestyle changes or treatments into your life to boost your short and long-term mood.

One study looked at the type of mood-tracking features offered by many mental health apps and found that many apps focus on the collection and reflection on moods but don't do enough to help people take the next steps to actually change their moods.⁴ One way to overcome this is to look for apps (or incorporate other apps) designed to promote preparation and action