PTSD apps
Apps for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Post-traumatic stress is a reaction some people have after experiencing, witnessing or hearing about any type of deeply distressing event.
- There are a number of apps and online tools for PTSD. They can help you monitor your symptoms and you can then share that information with your healthcare provider.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological reaction to experiencing or witnessing a severely shocking event. It means getting stuck in re-experiencing a traumatic event. Your body and mind act like the event is still happening, right now, even though it's in the past. It keeps your body in a fight or flight response.
PTSD can lead to depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know might have PTSD, it’s important to get help. Read more about PTSD.
There are a variety of apps and online courses aimed at supporting you if you have PTSD. They provide resources, and techniques to support you in managing your symptoms. Some of the features and functionalities these apps might include are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is an evidence-based technique which helps you challenge negative thought patterns and reduce anxiety.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation to help manage stress and anxiety.
- Mood tracking which allows you to track your emotions and PTSD symptoms over time, to help you identify patterns and triggers and your progress.
- Coping strategies such as grounding techniques, journaling, or visualisations.
- Support networks such as peer support groups or professional therapy, allowing you to connect with others who understand your struggles.
- Emergency resources or access to emergency contacts, or safety plans if you're in crisis.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
References
- Sander LB, Schorndanner J, Terhorst Y. ‘Help for trauma from the app stores?’ A systematic review and standardised rating of apps for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(external link) Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2020; 11(1): 1701788.
- Rodriguez-Paras C, Tippey K, Brown E. Posttraumatic stress disorder and mobile health: App investigation and scoping literature review(external link) JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2017 Oct; 5(10): e156.
|
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.
