Thanks to the current lockdown, many of us are staying at home and engaging in less social interactions and exercise which, in turn, can lead to concerningly high stress levels, anxiety and a feeling of helplessness. So many people depend on their everyday face to face interactions that it can be hard to function without them.
Because of this, it should come as no surprise that income protection claims caused by mental illness have increased drastically since countries started employing the use of lockdowns to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this is mind, we thought it helpful to share some great options that have proven useful in helping to manage stress and look after your mental wellbeing due to the pandemic. The following apps are being used by millions of users already to help their mental wellbeing.
Calm
Calm is one of the most popular sleep, meditation, and relaxation apps with over 100 million downloads and over 1.5M+ 5-star reviews. It‘s suitable for children, teens, and adults.
The app provides hundreds of hours of original audio content available in six languages in more than 190 countries. Features include: Audio programs taught by world-renowned mindfulness experts, Video lessons on mindful movement and gentle stretching, Exclusive music to help you focus, relax and sleep and nature scenes and sounds to enjoy while relaxing, working or studying. As a bonus, those with AIA Vitality can link their use of this app for points towards rewards through the Vitality programme.
Available on: IOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)
Breethe
This app helps people understand the link between effective breathing and the direct impact on mental and physical health. It focuses on supporting your breathing to help you with anxiety and is the fastest growing mental health issue worldwide.
Available on: IOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), desktop.
Mentemia
This is a free mental health app that helps you to formulate a daily mental wellbeing plan. It’s also a good option to see and understand the triggers that affect your mental fitness, and allows you to track your progress over time as you put your plan into action. The app, which is backed by the Ministry of Health, was founded by Kiwi rugby icon, All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan. This is another app that links those with AIA Vitality for bonus points through its use.
Available on: IOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)
Melon
Another app supported by the Ministry of Health, Melon provides a safe space to connect with and support each other with self-care resources for emotional wellbeing.
It operates on the basis that health is social. Tools included are: Health Journal (Rātaka), Coping tools (Mātauranga) and Community Support (Pāpori). There is also an abundance of additional content and resources tailored for each individual.
Melon is offered through participating primary care providers and health plans.
Available on: IOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)
Headspace
Headspace was founded in 2010 as an events company. The now popular app was born to address the demand of attendees to take what they learned home with them. It makes meditation simple - good for beginners and the more advanced alike. Headspace teaches the skills of mindfulness and meditation by giving you access to hundreds of meditations and programs on everything from stress and anxiety to sleep and focus.
Available on: IOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)
Mental health apps are available to help even in times of isolation by removing the barrier to seeking mental health. Though not to be replaced by therapy if needed, these digital tools make it easier to get you started on getting the help you may need.
With no shortage of resources out there, it’s a wonder having this power in the palm of your hands at a time when we can feel so powerless in other ways.