You can use your mental health

If you have a mental illness like depression or anxiety, you know that you are not alone in this world. US adults – or 43.8 million – experience mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. But there is hope, and help.

Even though some experts believe that they are more likely to have mental health problems, such as mental health apps.

Although they are not a substitute for actual health care, the following apps are helping many people cope with their illnesses and get back to the business of living – for free.

7 Cups – Online Therapy for Anxiety and Depression

Feeling isolated? Connect instantly with one of 160,000 trained volunteers and licensed therapists with 7 Cups. The app engages users in anonymous, free, confidential conversations so you can wind up on your day or simply hear a human voice. It also gives you the option to connect with multiple users and to participate in chat rooms.

RR: Eating Disorder Management

Those battling anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder can work towards establishing a healthy relationship with food via Recovery Record. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and self-monitoring research, the app can help users, their goals, their recovery and coping tactics.

SuperBetter

Mental illness is not a game, but the app Superbetter tastefully takes a gaming approach to managing depression, anxiety, chronic illness and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Players earn rewards for completing real-life exercises that help them build positive skills and behaviors like resilience and optimism.

PTSD Coach

Although PTSD Coach was created with US military veterans in mind, it can be beneficial for anyone suffering from PTSD. It offers education and insights about professional care options. Interactive elements include self assessment and positive management.

Moodpath: Depression & Anxiety

Moodpath, which bills itself as "your mental health companion", screensavers for depressive behavior via daily questions designed to increase their awareness of their thoughts and emotions. After 14 days, the app will be able to bring you back to health. More than 150 videos and exercises are available, too.

Pacifica for Stress & Anxiety

When you have trouble in your clutches, it can feel like your world is going to end. Purpose Pacifica helps users find a place of peace through psychologist-designed tools. Based on CBT, mood and health tracking, relaxation and mindfulness meditation, the app targets the on-going cycles of negative thoughts that lead to anxiety, stress and depression.

Pear reSET

Last fall, Pear reSET became the first FDA-approved prescription for substance abuse. The "mobile digital therapy" provides a series of interactive lessons to be used over a period of 12 weeks. It features short quizzes, virtual rewards and weekly check-ins to ensure progress. Note that reSET requires a prescription to access.

Headspace: Meditation

If you have never thought of it, Headspace is a great place to start. The popular app takes you to the world of meditation and mindfulness. The free basics course teaches you meditation fundamentals; the full library is accessible through a subscription fee.

Anxiety Relief Hypnosis

Anxiety Relief Hypnosis The hypnosis of the hypnosis. It features audio read by a certified hypnotherapist, accompanied by peaceful ambient music. Afterwards, users may experience less stress and more relaxation.

Read more:

• 7 ways you can help one with depression, according to experts
• New statistics show more people are taking care of their mental health
• Exercise is good for our mental health

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