Apps to support grief and loss

Grief support apps

  • There are a variety of apps to support grief and loss.
  • They can provide tools, resources and communities to support people through different stages of mourning.
  • Find out more about apps to support grief and loss.
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Grief is the natural reaction to losing someone or something that you love or value. It's a normal part of life and includes emotional, physical and mental responses. You may be experiencing grief from loss of your own hauora and wellbeing or loss of a loved one or your employment. You may also have lost your sense of security and feel life is less predictable. Grief can be very painful and the experience is different for everyone, there's no right way to grieve. If you find your grief makes you feel hopeless or worthless, talk to a healthcare provider and get some support. Read more about grief and loss.

There are a variety of apps to help support grief and loss, so you feel supported and less alone in your grief journey. Common features of grief support apps include:

  • Journaling tools that help you write down and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to process your thoughts and emotions. This may also include a space to upload photos, stories, or tributes to lost loved ones.
  • Meditations and mindfulness exercises that can help with emotional regulation and stress relief.
  • Daily check-ins with mood tracking to reflect on your emotional states over time. This is also useful to track your healing journey over time.
  • Educational content such as articles, podcasts, or videos that explain grief stages, coping mechanisms, and healing.
  • Community support which are forums or group chats to connect with others going through similar experiences.

When choosing a grief support app, look for features you’re comfortable with.

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.
App Features Clinical review

Griefity: Grief Support

  • Daily check-ins
  • How-to guides
  • App community
  • New Zealand based.
  • Available from Google Play and Apple store.
  • Cost: Free basic; Paid upgrade 
  • Read more about Griefity: Grief Support app

Grief Refuge

  • Journal
  • Progress tracking.
  • Audio meditative exercises.
  • Available from Google Play and Apple store.
  • Cost: Free basic; Paid upgrade
  • Read more about Grief Refuge app.
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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

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.