Top 10 Apps for Biofeedback, Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Prevention

Some Gulf War veterans deal with PTSD.  Others deal with anxiety or depression, often in conjunction with or as the result of debilitating physical disability.  And many deal with debilitating chronic pain.  

And, dealing with chronic illness can be a stressor in and of itself.  

For these veterans, the following list of smartphone apps might be of interest.

There's even an app for suicide prevention.

-A.H.

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SOURCE: PsychCentral (Sandra Kiume, Sep. 20, 2103)
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/20/top-10-free-mental-health-apps/

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Top 10 Free Mental Health Apps

By SANDRA KIUME 

If you’re looking for good mental health apps, those selected here are all solid. But the really great thing about the apps on this list?

Not only are they useful for your personal mental health mobile toolkit, and for referring to clients, they’re all free.


Keep up with the latest mental health information with the PsychCentral app. It’s free too!

1. MindShift
A great tool for anxiety available on iPhone and Andoid, developed by Anxiety BC. It teaches relaxation skills, develops new thinking, and suggests healthy activities. Designed for youth but useful to anyone.

2. PTSD Coach
Helpful for symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress, this trusted military app has been downloaded over 100,000 times foriPhone and Android. Featuring versions in French-Canadian and more.

3. BellyBio Interactive Breathing
Wonderful biofeedback device that monitors your breathing and plays sounds reminiscent of ocean waves when you relax. Great for anxiety and stress. iPhone only.

4. Positive Activity Jackpot
A unique augmented reality tool that uses the functionality of a smartphone in an innovative way. Combines a professional behavioral health therapy for depression called pleasant event scheduling (PES) with activities available in the user’s location, mapped with GPS. For Android only.

5. Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief
From the excellent developers of relaxation apps at Meditation Oasis comes this free app to quickly recharge. Listen to a seven-minute Work Break or 13-minute Stress Relief recording with or without music or nature sounds. iPhone or Android.

6. Previdence
An assessment tool that allows users to check for symptoms of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, drug and alcohol issues, and other problems and makes recommendations for action. iPhone only.

7. Operation Reach Out
This lifesaving app for iPhone and Android was developed by the military to prevent suicide. Recorded videos and menu options help users assess their thinking and reach out for help in crisis.

8. Relax with Andrew Johnson Lite
Great guided meditation session for relaxation, helpful with anxiety and stress as well as a sleep aid. Available in Android and iPhone versions.

9. T2 Mood Tracker
Tracks symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, stress and general well-being. Useful to share with clinicians and chart recovery. Another excellent app developed by the Department of Defense National Center for Telehealth and Technology (see their complete list), for Android and iPhone.

10. Relax and Sleep Well with Glenn Harold
Twenty-minute guided meditation with music to help you fall asleep. Relaxing and gentle. For iPhone and Android.