I TRIED 4 ANXIETY HELP AND MANAGEMENT APPS, HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED

​In the U.S. alone, more than 40 million adults over the age of 18 suffer from anxiety disorders. It’s one of the most common mental health-related problem in the U.S., and likely the world.
 
I myself was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder in college a few years ago. To be fair, I did push myself to the limits when it came to involving myself in not only my school work, but also various clubs and organizations around campus.

I used to wish that there was a simple way to manage my anxiety and stress. There used to be such a negative stigma around mental health and anxiety and, in some cases, there still is!.

As anxiety becomes something everyone is more comfortable talking about, more and more technology and helpful resources are coming out of the woodwork to help sufferers live happier lives. 

​I decided to test four anxiety help and management apps that were recommended by websites around the internet. Each of these apps are completely free to download, but you will have the option to purchase additional features here and there. Here’s what I found:

WORRY FLOAT

App Description: “Worries exist for everyone. Worry Float helps you release your worries by visualizing your worries floating away. Naming your worry helps bring mindfulness and awareness into the moment. Then you let it go."

Sometimes we wish that we could let our worries drift away. With the Worry Float app, you can do just that.
 
I opened the app and was able to type one of my worries onto a balloon. I made my worry my college debt. The app lets you choose how quickly you want the balloon labeled with your worry to float away with options including short, medium, and long.

​As soon as your balloon makes its way into the distance, an affirming, “and there it goes” message pops up on the screen, along with a happy-looking sun.
 
My opinion on this is that, while it is a good way to visualize your anxiety, it isn’t going to take it away. I felt just as concerned about college debt when I typed it on the balloon as I did when it floated away. 

CALM

App Description: “Meditation made easy. Calm is the #1 app for meditation and mindfulness. Enjoy 100+ guided meditations to help you manage anxiety, lower stress, and sleep better. Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users.”

When you first open the Calm app, you’re told to “take a deep breath,” which was somewhat refreshing to me. It started me off right by getting me into the right headspace. It even waited to ask me about push notifications until after I took this breath.
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I was then presented with a number of goals. I chose the options: increase happiness, build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and reduce stress.

You then have to sign up for an account (no credit card needed) and then you are asked to purchase the full app. 

While there were a few free things to listen to, I was disappointed to see that most everything was locked. I get that the company needs to make money, but I hate to be tricked into thinking something is free only to be hoodwinked.
 
Anyway, I was able to listen to one of the 7 Days of Calming Anxiety. It was soothing and did make me feel calmer. So, my overall opinion is that I like the concept, but I wish more was available for those who don’t have money to subscribe. Ads are a common way a brand can make money for providing free content. Subscriptions costs $12.99 a month. Or, if you have the cash to spend, you can pay $300 for a lifetime subscription. I honestly could see myself using this if it wasn’t so expensive.

COLOR BY NUMBER COLORING GAME

App Description: Color by number in a new, addictive game. Choose from a variety of super-fun images and follow the numbers to bring them to life. Coloring has never been this easy. Anti-stress coloring is the perfect relaxing activity!”

I’ve heard of the restorative and addictive power of coloring with anxiety, so I was excited to give this a go. I can’t really say anything more than that I absolutely love it. It is so soothing, and you can choose to color however you want to. 

​And, when you’ve completed the picture, you get to watch a time lapse of your coloring, which is amazing!

While you can pay to unlock special photos, there are a fair number of free pictures that you can color. I would most definitely recommend downloading this app. I think it is my favorite in the bunch!

MOODS

App Description: Moods is the fastest and easiest way to record your current mood, which can be critical to maintaining good mental health.”

This app is pretty much what it advertises itself to be. If you’re looking for a way to record exactly how you’ve felt each day, this is a good app for you. It is pretty bare bones, though. All you can do is say if you feel good, okay, or bad.

​You can then add some details and notes, but this probably wouldn’t be good for improving your anxiety. 

​However, this is a great app to use if your doctor or psychiatrist wants you to log your mood changes. I didn’t get any demand to subscribe, which was awesome, and you can add custom notes. This could be helpful in determining treatment based off of your feelings.

MY OPINION

​I think that all of these apps can be useful if you’re willing to pay for most of them. Although I was bummed about the cost of the Calm app, you can always find a free copycat or subscribe if you have the money. The sounds and narrators are soothing for sure.
 
My favorite app was the coloring one. I think if getting your mind off of your anxiety is what helps you relax, this is the app for you. It makes you concentrate for a bit while presenting you with positive, cute images!