Depression apps
Depression apps
- There are a number of apps and online tools for improving low mood and mild-to-moderate depression.
- They're not intended to replace professional help, but they can give you tips, guidance, or distractions to help you cope with certain symptoms.
- They can help you learn about your condition and record your symptoms, and they provide tools to help you feel better.
- Find out more about apps for depression.
There are a variety of apps to help you manage the symptoms of low mood and mild-to-moderate depression. Apps can use different techniques to help you manage your depression.
- Some apps provide education about depression and tips on how to recognise triggers and identify patterns. They also enable you to document your emotional experiences and track your progress over time.
- Some apps incorporate breathing exercises, mindfulness and meditation activities to help you practice relaxation skills.
- Some apps use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help you change your negative thought patterns and improve the way you feel.
It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.
Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.
- An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
- If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
- For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see how to choose a health app.
- It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.
| App | Features | Clinical review |
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Depression course (Just a Thought)
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Mixed Depression and Anxiety course(external link)
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Coming soon |
Other apps you may find useful
Anxiety apps
CBT apps
Meditation and mindfulness apps
Self-harm prevention apps
As there are so many apps to support mental health and wellbeing, we haven't been able to review all those available. We've instead identified the following independent organisation that has reviewed some of these apps:
- ReachOut.com(external link) (Australia) helps young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times.
You may also find the following article useful: Do mental health apps really work?(external link) Patient Info, UK
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
Factsheets – using health apps safely
How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
