Here are six apps on the cutting edge of mental health that currently help patients cope with the world.

SIX APPS THAT CAN HELP

1)    Code Blue – This is an app that can provide support to struggling teenagers who suffer from depression or may be bullied. The users create a support group, and the app will alert that group when the teenager feels he or she needs some help. Outreach in text or a phone call follows, and the app will let the support group know the teen’s physical location in case they need to make an in-person visit. The app is free.

2)    Breathe2Relax – This is a stress management tool that suggests breathing exercises when the user is stressed. The breathing techniques are designed to ease stress, stabilize moods, manage anxiety and tamp down anger. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or as a stand-alone tool. The app is free.

3)    Lantern – This app combines cognitive behavioral therapy with expert advice. Users take an assessment test that measures their current development in body, stress, mood, social life and sleep. Then the app will suggest a daily series of exercises based on that assessment, while matching with a coach trained in cognitive behavioral therapy who can answer questions and provide motivation. This is a subscription service that costs $75 per month and $398 per year. 

4)    PTSD Coach – Developed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, this app is used by military members and civilians who may suffer from the stress of a terrible experience in combat or civilian life. The app has a self-assessment tool that tracks symptoms of the disorder over time and provides tools for managing the symptoms discovered. It also allows the user to create lists of contacts that can provide personal support, locate treatment centers and – perhaps most important – gives a phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. This is a free app.