When we think about mental health, depression is often the first of many mental illnesses that comes to mind. Given that 300 million people around the world have struggled with depression, it makes sense why that is. More than ever, it’s important that those experiencing depression have resources and help that they can turn to.
Our phones have given us some great options in recent years with many more mental health themed apps available all the time. Whether you need to track your thoughts, learn coping skills, or just feel better; there’s definitely a depression app that can help you. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most helpful apps for depression.
If you want to know more about the different apps for depression support, keep reading.
14 best apps to help with depression: symptoms, tracking, & treatment
Having depression can be a confusing and unsettling thing to experience, so it’s important to know where to go for tools, resources, and self-care. While an app is likely not the sole solution, having an app to support you with your depression can be very useful and improve your overall well-being. These are some of the best apps for people with depression.
1. MoodTools
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, subscription upgrades available for $4.99/month or $29.99/year
Most Effective Feature: Mood tracker and assessments to help better understand your depression and progress
MoodTools is a great app for people with depression who want help to better manage their feelings. The app allows users to track their mood and take tests to determine the severity of their depression. It also includes videos and activities to help users learn how to better care for themselves while on the road to recovery.
2. Depression CBT Self-Help Guide
Download It Now: Android
Cost: Free
Most Effective Feature: Educational tools to better understand your depression and self-care methods
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide is an app specifically for people who want to learn how to manage the stress and symptoms that arise from depression. The app is full of educational tools to help teach users how to incorporate the proper self-care methods into their life. It also includes a test and diary to help users understand the severity of their depression.
3. What’s UP?
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, in-app purchases available
Most Effective Feature: Coping methods tailored to your specific needs
What’s UP? offers users methods of coping with their mental health concerns whenever they need it. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, or stress; the app will offer you tools to track your experiences and help yourself feel better. The app also allows users to donate to share support to the team behind it.
4. Youper
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, premium subscriptions available for $44.99/year
Most Effective Feature: Chatbot messaging catered to your challenges
Youper is a self-care app designed to help users improve their mental health. The app uses an AI technology program within a messaging platform to help users find techniques that will work best for their specific situation. A great app for those struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep, and more.
5. SuperBetter
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free
Most Effective Feature: Inspiring gameplay that teaches users self-care
SuperBetter is one of the best apps for anxiety and depression that helps users improve their mental health while feeling as if they’re playing a game. The app gives users challenges to complete that help them build resilience and manage their existing mental illnesses while feeling like a superhero. It works well for those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, concussion recovery, and more.
6. InnerHour
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free; premium features available for $4.99/month, $9.99/quarter, or $44.99/year; professional support available for $35/hour
Most Effective Feature: Courses for your specific struggles
InnerHour is a self-help app that gives users the tools to help improve their well-being. The app includes six courses that work to help them improve various areas of life: depression, anxiety, sleep, stress, happiness, and anger. It also allows users to easily gain access to counseling and therapy should they wish to do so.
7. Brain.fm
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, subscription upgrades available for $6.99/month, $15.99/three months, or $49.99/year
Most Effective Feature: Music generated for your specific needs
Brain.fm is a music app designed to help users feel calm. The AI-generated sounds help with various goals, including focus, meditation, relaxation, and sleep (including naps!). Listening for up to 15 minutes will help users achieve their desired state.
8. MoodMission
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, in-app purchases available
Most Effective Feature: Mood-based activities to help you feel better
MoodMission is an app designed to make you feel like a superhero while helping yourself to feel happy and healthy. When you tell the app how you’re feeling, you’ll be given five quick and easy missions that will help to improve your mood. The app is fun and easy to use, while also helping users learn effective self-care.
9. Mindshift CBT
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free
Most Effective Feature: Tools to help users relax and think more positively
MindShift CBT is an app that utilizes therapeutic strategies in order to help users overcome their anxious thoughts. The app focuses on tools that prioritize relaxation and mindfulness and help users improve their thinking in stressful situations. It will help you craft a step-by-step process on the journey to recovery.
10. Worry Watch
Download It Now: iOS
Cost: $3.99
Most Effective Feature: Thought tracker to help users learn better thinking habits
Worry Watch is an app for anxiety and depression that helps users tackle their habit of worrying. Users are able to record all of their thoughts that made them the most anxious and later reflect on the actual outcome. The app keeps track of statistics that help users practice better thought processes.
11. notOK
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free
Most Effective Feature: A large, red button that alerts friends and family when you need someone to find you
notOK brings emotional support to you when you need it most. The app’s simple design features a big, red button that – when tapped – alerts your pre-programmed list of friends and family that you are in distress and would like someone to come to you. It also sends them your GPS location, bringing comfort from your loved ones straight to you with little effort.
12. Happify
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, subscription upgrades available for $14.99/month, $139.99/year, or a $449.99 lifetime purchase
Most Effective Feature: Fun games to encourage positivity in your life
Happify is an app for depression and anxiety that helps users feel and think more positively. The app is full of activities and games that teach users how to feel better. It also includes a mood tracker to show how their thinking has improved over time.
13. Stretch & Flexibility at Home
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, subscription upgrades available for $6.99/month or $26.99/year
Most Effective Feature: Exercises available wherever you are
For those who want to use exercise to help relieve their depression, Stretch & Flexibility at Home allows users to practice stretching exercises wherever they are. The app teaches users daily exercises for different purposes that will help them feel better and relieve stress. It also includes reminders and trackers that help users stay on track.
14. Welltory
Download It Now: Android | iOS
Cost: Free, subscription upgrades available for $12.99/month or $79.99/year
Most Effective Feature: Technology to track your current physiological state
Welltory is a heart monitoring app that helps users track their stress, energy, and productivity levels. Simply place your finger on your phone’s camera for two minutes and the app will take care of the rest. The app has an easy-to-use design and tracks information over time to help you improve your health and life.
Those are some of the best apps to help with depression. We hope you find one or more that help you on the road to recovery. If you’re looking to talk to someone about your experiences with depression, check out our articles on the best chat apps for depression and the best therapy apps.
And remember: if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
