Some of us feel it more than others, those winter blahs that you just can’t shake despite your good habits (dietary, exercise, meditation, medication, regular vitamin D), light therapy lamps hanging in every room, or activity in social engagements.
There’s nothing wrong with you. You simply have different needs. Some bodies don’t produce the proper hormone balances and are more sensitive to certain things. Whether or not you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder [where you tend to suffer from symptoms annually, most often in winter, such as low energy, moodiness, increased anxiety, trouble concentrating, feel hungrier, or lose interest in socializing]), anyone can benefit from these helpful apps to lift your mood and give you the tools you need to make that progress last.
That’s why we’ve scoured the digital realm and composed a list of apps we think are most helpful in navigating the challenges of the chilly winds that winter blows into our lives.
Table of Contents
As sunlight shifts seasonally, stabilizing circadian rhythms and hormone balances can be tricky. You may struggle to find motivation, see the bright side of things, and grow restless or bored.
Going to therapy makes sense for some, but you may feel that is not truly necessary. Or it’s simply difficult or not the right move for you for one reason or another.
That’s where apps to help with SAD come in–and the best part is, you don’t have to have SAD to benefit from them! In this age of wellbeing we are entering into, now more than ever there are numerous (and often cost-effective) apps that help with emotional regulation, building coping strategies that work for you, and take the edge off the cabin fever to help you make it through the darkest parts of winter.
Our Favorite Apps for Mental Health
Casual Mental Wellbeing
Bearable – Budget App
Price: Free to $4.49 per month or $27.99 for annual subscription
In the midst of winter’s mood-altering chill, Bearable emerges as more than just an app—it’s your personal emotional and physical health compass. Navigating the complexities of mental well-being can be daunting, but with Bearable by your side, you gain insight into the subtle nuances of your mood. It meticulously tracks your emotions, mental health, and physical symptoms, painting a clear picture of your emotional landscape. Through its guidance, you can discern the triggers that might otherwise remain unnoticed, ensuring you’re never navigating this journey alone.
What sets Bearable apart is its intuitive ability to monitor your journey, offering tailored insights and statistics. The gentle reminders and the ability to sync vital health data from your smart devices ensure you never miss a beat. It’s not about constant surveillance but about nurturing an understanding of oneself. It’s like having a conversation with a friend who’s been quietly noting the patterns you might miss, letting you see the effects of various approaches on your wellbeing.
Happify
Price: Free to $14.99 per month and up
Features: Assessments, evidence-based mental health exercises, article resources, games and progress tracking.
Amidst the vast digital landscape, Happify shines as a beacon of positivity, ingeniously designed to uplift your spirit through interactive games and mindful activities. Tailored to your unique aspirations, each week is filled with curated challenges, whether you aim to foster deeper connections, alleviate workplace stress, or simply bask in everyday joys.
Acclaimed as the zenith of ‘feel-good’ technology, Happify doesn’t just present activities—it immerses you in a journey to amplify your happiness quotient. Rooted in rigorous neuroscientific and psychological insights, its offerings beckon you to relish the present, dream bigger, and shower gratitude.
For those just venturing into the realm of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or positive psychology, Happify is the compass to steer clear of life’s tempests. By counteracting negative thought patterns, it paves the way for a sunnier, more fulfilled existence. With an intuitive tracking mechanism, witness firsthand the transformative power of consistent positivity.
And the cherry on top? A treasure trove of articles and pearls of wisdom on stress-busting, dreamy slumbers, and nurturing bonds, making Happify the ultimate sidekick in your quest for self-enhancement.
Calm
Price: $14.99 per month or $69.99 annual subscription
Features: Meditations, masterclasses, music, soothing sounds, sleep stories, gentle exercises and educational guides.
In the bustling cacophony of modern life, the Calm app emerges as an oasis of tranquility. This meditation-centric app is your ticket to a serene and more productive existence. With its mélange of guided meditations, lulling sleep tales, rhythmic breathing techniques, and tools to unwind, it’s your go-to antidote for life’s inevitable chaos.
Not just content with calming the mind, the “Calm Body” segment beckons users to embark on a journey of physical relaxation with stretch sessions and soothing yoga videos. And for our younger explorers of mindfulness, “Calm Kids” crafts a world of tranquility with meditative practices, lullabies, and the gentle whisper of peaceful sounds. Your entire family’s sanctuary of serenity is just a tap away.
Finch
Price: Free (Plus is $40 annually)
Features: Aesthetically pleasing interface, goal tracking, mood tracking, interactive options, habit building, motivational quotes.
Finch: The App That Promotes Self-Care With Cute Virtual Pets. This one reminds me of Neopets, self care edition! Not just for kids, this cute gamified app is a great way to get through winter and happily reach daily goals.
As you show up for yourself—whether it’s embracing daily rituals like brushing your teeth and facial care, or generous acts like treating a stranger to coffee—your endearing Finch pet flourishes alongside you.
At Finch’s heart is the gamification of self-reflection and wellness. Every time users tap into the app, they’re greeted with introspective prompts that beckon a moment of mindfulness. The beauty of Finch is its gentle reminder: a fleeting negative moment doesn’t overshadow a day’s worth of brilliance.
The journey with Finch is an interactive one; the more users indulge in self-care activities and introspective exercises, the livelier their Finch becomes, ready to explore the world outside. The unique twist? As you evolve, so does Finch, revealing its quirks and inclinations, ensuring an ever-fresh and engaging user experience.
Elevate your Finch journey by becoming a Guardian. In this privileged role, users can gift Finch Plus subscriptions to others, weaving a tapestry of community support, all while unlocking exclusive perks. Finch isn’t just an app—it’s a heartfelt, engaging foray into the world of well-being.
Headspace
Price: Free, then $12.99 per month or $69.99 annual subscription
Features: Meditations, exercises, inspiring wake-up stories, sleepcasts, music, audio experiences and courses.
Kickstart your meditation journey effortlessly with Headspace. Offering guided sessions that range from 10 to 20 minutes, Headspace demystifies meditation. Forget about chirping birds or whimsical adventures; it’s all about Andy’s calming voice guiding you with pragmatic instruction. The best part? The free version is a substantial stepping stone for any newbie.
Dive deeper into Headspace’s diverse array of meditation techniques and tools. While there’s a complimentary 14-day trial to explore its nuances, the full array of meditative treasures requires a monthly or annual subscription. Tailor your experience, whether your aspirations lie in better sleep, stress management, or boosting performance. And for those eager to delve into the foundations of guided meditation, Headspace offers insightful courses specially curated for novices.
Forest: Focus for Productivity
Price: $1.99
Features: Focus duration tracking, a timeline of your planting journey, (group mode where everyone’s plants wither if any member uses their phone), earning virtual coins contribute to planting real trees.
Timer mode: Set your focus session and dive into your work or study flow, or apply Pomodoro technique.
Stopwatch mode: Start and stop at any time.
Nature enthusiasts, rejoice! Forest is the perfect blend of productivity and conservation. Craving some visual motivation to maintain focus while growing your own forest in the process? Here’s how it works:
Whenever you want to stay focused, plant a tree.
Watch your tree flourish as you zero in on your work.
Leaving the app halfway will cause your tree to die.
Think of it as a mobile game with a twist – instead of consuming your time, it amplifies your productivity. Plus, there’s a phenomenal perk: every moment you focus not only nurtures your virtual forest but aids our planet too.
Forest collaborates with the esteemed Trees for the Future, pledging to plant tangible trees on our beloved Earth. To date? A whopping 1,582,331 trees! Users can convert their in-app coins into real-world change. By choosing to plant actual trees with their virtual earnings, Forest makes contributions to their partner, ensuring every click counts towards greening our globe.
Sleep Sounds
Price: Free
Features: Soundboard of waterfalls, rain sounds, meditation sounds, white noise, crackling fireplaces, and much more.
Speaking of nature enthusiasts and peace seekers, this is your sanctuary in an app. With a rich soundboard boasting an array of auditory delights – from the soothing whispers of nature, gentle pitter-patter of rain on a tent, to the rhythmic hum of urban life, comforting purrs of a cat, and the serene chirping of crickets – you’re spoilt for choice.
But this isn’t just about sleep – it’s an all-day retreat. Maintain unwavering concentration during work, navigate a chaotic commute enveloped in calmness, and experience many tranquil moments in between.
And for those wary of ads? A fleeting commercial, under 5 seconds, greets you at the app’s opening, ensuring an almost uninterrupted oasis of peace.
DietBet
Price: Free to start, user selected “bets.”
Features: Weight tracking, group support, raffle entry options, accountability-focused, money-earning app.
Seeking motivation to shed those winter pounds? How about cold, hard cash as a reward? Let me share a personal secret: DietBet. I’ve played this game during those chilly months and, trust me, it’s not only effective but also exhilarating.
Here’s how it works: pick a game, place a bet on your most important player (that’s you!), and set a weight-loss target, be it for a month or half a year. Nail that goal? Not only do you get your initial bet back, but you also get a slice of the collective pot. In my own experience, I’ve pocketed a pretty penny, proving it’s not just a game–it’s a real deal.
You also can sign up for a membership to get entered into raffles every time you weigh in. My own victory lap? A shiny new exercise desk bike. This winter, add some spark to your health journey. Get fit and fill your wallet at the same time! Don’t just work on yourself—get paid for it, too.
More Intensive Apps (Most with Live Help)
If you’re wondering, studies have shown that internet-based intervention for depression is just as helpful as regular face-to-face therapy.
DBT Coach
Price: $11.99/month, or $59.99 every six months
Features: Rooted in evidence-based techniques of DBT, video lessons, animations, note-taking, progress analytics, skill and behavior tracking, awards, exercises similar to actual DBT skills training, over 1000 meditations, interaction portals for DBT community members through discussion and peer support groups, and integration with a clinician app for real-time interaction with your therapist (if they’re signed up).
Looking for a digital sidekick on your Dialectical Behavior Therapy journey? Enter: DBT Coach. Packed with over 100 insightful videos and a whopping 200+ animations, this app is a treasure trove for those navigating the challenges of conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder, depression, anxiety, or even day-to-day stress. Heck, even if you’re just aiming for a mental tune-up, it’s a worthy companion.
A quick note though: as marvelous as DBT Coach is, it’s no replacement for human touch. It shines brightest when used alongside professional DBT therapy. Always remember, apps empower, but real-life professionals heal.
Sanvello
Price: Free to $8.99 per month
Features: Mood tracking, guided journeys, coping tools, progress assessments and peer support; optional coaching and therapy.
Sanvello isn’t just another mental health app—it’s a full-blown wellness journey in your pocket. Seamlessly weaving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness exercises, it zeros in on stress, anxiety, and depression.
Fancy tracking your mood swings? Done.
Need a hand in rerouting that negative chatter in your brain? It’s got you.
And for those moments when only human connection will do, dive into the app’s safe, monitored spaces to chat with kindred spirits. Plus, with a library of enlightening articles and videos, consider Sanvello your go-to guide for brighter days and restful nights.
Talkspace
Price: Starts at $49/week
Features: Therapy for individuals, couples, teens, and psychiatry.
If the traditional couch-and-office therapy setup doesn’t resonate with you, there’s another way—Talkspace. It’s therapy reimagined for the digital age.
Picture this: your very own licensed therapist, available right through your device, communicating via text. No appointments, no waiting rooms. Just choose how often you’d like to chat, and voilà, instant access to professional insights and guidance.
With Talkspace, therapy is as modern and convenient as you are.
BetterHelp
Price: Starts at $60/week, 20% off your first month
Features: Free evaluations to assess your needs, video, phone, live chat, unlimited messaging, unlimited interaction, freedom to switch therapists, group webinars, and a wealth of supplemental resources. Cancel anytime.
If traditional therapy seems daunting or logistically challenging, BetterHelp is another option that might be your digital solution. It offers affordable and flexible online counseling, tailored to your needs. After a brief survey, you’re paired with a therapist, allowing for diverse communication methods: message, live chat, phone, or even video calls. Importantly, your privacy is secured under HIPAA regulations
Yet, every platform has its caveats. With BetterHelp, one might experience a lag in therapist replies, the absence of face-to-face connections, and restrictions like no medication prescriptions. It’s not suitable for acute mental crises or severe conditions. Other considerations include costs (since insurance isn’t an option), finding the right therapist fit, occasional tech hiccups, and therapist continuity. Prospective users should weigh these elements to determine if BetterHelp aligns with their therapeutic journey.
Can Mobile Apps Really Help People With Depression or Sadness?
Are you navigating the blues of seasonal shifts? Thanks to developers with a keen understanding of neuroscience, there are now apps designed to bolster our spirits. There’s an abundance of choices: from guided meditations promoting mindfulness, to fitness apps encouraging physical vigor, and diet apps championing nutritional wellness.
However, a word of caution: these tools, while immensely beneficial, are not silver bullets. If you’re grappling with profound depression or other mental afflictions, these apps are supplements, not substitutes. They shine when used alongside expert advice but shouldn’t eclipse a comprehensive plan curated by a mental health professional.
In essence, the spectrum of mental health apps spans from light-hearted wellness boosters to rigorous therapeutic aids. They’re invaluable allies, combating symptoms of SAD, mood fluctuations, anxiety, depression, and the everyday stresses of life.
Don’t Just Rely on Mobile Apps for Mental Health Management
Despite the usefulness of these apps, they should not replace professional therapy and medication, especially if you’re struggling with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or another chronic condition.
Your mental wellbeing is paramount. As you brave the ebbs and flows of seasonal lows or other mental hurdles, view these apps as a complementary tool in your self-care arsenal. Journey gently, acknowledging that reaching out for professional guidance isn’t just okay—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.
Finding the Right App
Finding the right mental health app can require some trial and correction. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests considering factors:
- Evidence-based effectiveness.
- Ease of use.
- Features that meet your needs.
- Robust privacy and security measures.
- Compatibility with your devices.
Many people may need to try several apps before finding the right one, and that’s perfectly normal. Cultivating the habit of tracking and managing mental health takes time and consistency.
Get to Downloading!
As the chill of winter touches our lives, it’s heartening to know that technology can offer a comforting hand to guide us through. The apps we’ve introduced aim to be more than just digital tools; they strive to be companions on your journey towards better mental well-being.
While the above apps offer innovative ways to combat seasonal sadness, it’s important to remember they’re supplements, not substitutes for professional care.
Let this curated list of apps serve as a testament to the vast resources available at our fingertips, all geared towards nurturing a healthier, happier you.
*phone alert noise* Oh, look at that! It’s time to take a walk. Thanks, Finch!
A Word to Our Readers
To our cherished readers: it’s imperative to recognize that immersing yourself in work isn’t an antidote for buried emotions.
Lean into the embrace of friends and family; you might discover they’re voyaging through similar waters, navigating similar challenges. Sharing, after all, can be both enlightening and healing. Remember, community thrives on connection, not isolation.
Other Ways to Boost Mental Health
For those navigating the vast realm of mental health, experts highlight an array of avenues that promise well-being:
1. Embrace Movement: Physical activity isn’t just about muscles; it’s a mental tonic. The endorphins released can elevate spirits. Even a simple, daily 30-minute stroll promises a world of good for both body and mind.
2. Seek Connection: Immersing oneself in the warmth of cherished ones can be a balm for the soul, melting away stress and ushering in joy.
3. Prioritize Self-Nurturing: Carve out moments for endeavors that replenish your spirit. This could be a tranquil session of meditation, the tactile pleasure of journaling, or the embrace of a soothing bath.
4. Nourish Inside-Out: Your plate matters. Relishing foods brimming with omega-3s, like the vibrant salmon or the humble walnut, can elevate mood and vitality. And while caffeine can quicken the pulse, moderation may be the key.
5. Digital Detox: Unplugging, even momentarily, from our buzzing devices can usher in tranquility, reducing stress and shielding us from the insomnia-triggering blue glow.
6. Dream Deeply: A serene night’s rest, spanning seven to eight hours, can be a panacea for mental turbulence, quelling stress and refreshing the soul.
7. Chase the Light: For those ensnared by the winter blues or conditions akin to SAD, a rendezvous with bright light can inject vibrancy, banishing lethargy and melancholy.
In essence, the journey to mental well-being is paved with conscious choices, a tapestry of practices, both ancient and modern. Remember, every step, no matter how small, counts.
