Depression apps

There are a number of mobile phone apps and online tools for improving low mood and depression. You can learn about your condition and record your symptoms, and they provide tools to help you feel better.

Depression is constantly feeling down or hopeless, experiencing loss of enjoyment or interest in doing the things you used to enjoy doing, negative thinking and sleep problems. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the support and treatment you need depends on how severe your symptoms are. If you’re depressed, it’s important to get help – the sooner you do, the sooner you'll start to feel better. Read more about depression. 

There are a number of apps and online tools to help support your treatment and road to recovery. Here are a few that Health Navigator has reviewed.  

App  Features Clinical review

Aunty Dee
  • Online tool
  • Problem solving
  • Aimed at Pacific and Maori young people aged 14-25 years
  • Available from Aunty Dee website
  • Cost: free
  • Read more about Aunty Dee
  

Groov
  • An app to improve mood, manage anxiety and stress, and maintain overall wellbeing.
  • Available in App Store and Google Play
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about Groov

 

Just a Thought
  • An online course about depression
  • Developed in New Zealand 
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) lessons
  • Action plans
  • Available online
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about Just a Thought




Thinkladder
  • CBT self-help
  • Developed in New Zealand
  • Insights and affirmations
  • Alerts and reminders
  • Available from iTunes
  • Cost: NZ$4.49
  • Read more about Thinkladder

Virtual Hope Box

  
  • Games
  • Meditation exercises
  • Activities to reduce stress
  • Motivational quotes 
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about Virtual Hope Box
  

Togetherall
  • Online community
  • Goal setting
  • Diary
  • Self-guided courses available
  • Available online- free for Auckland DHB residents
  • Read more about Togetherall

Reviewed apps that are no longer available
  • Learn more
  • As there are so many apps to support mental health and wellbeing, we have not been able to review all those available. We have instead identified independent organisations that have reviewed these apps:
  • ReachOut.com (Australia) helps young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times
  • PsyberGuide (US) helps people make responsible and informed decisions about apps and other digital tools for mental health
  • Mind in Brighton and Hove (UK) promotes good mental health.
  • You may also find the following article useful: Do mental health apps really work? Patient Info, UK
  • Disclaimer: Health Navigator’s app library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.
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