Published: May 26, 2023 by Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador

As per the Pew Research Center, 85% of Americans say they own a smartphone and 15% say they are “smartphone-only” Internet users. As a matter of fact, most of us live attached to our smartphone as if it is another limb. We read the news, listen to music, chat with friends, borrow books from our local library, and watch funny videos.

Recently, an international team of researchers published their findings confirming an increase of the use of smartphone apps for mental health and well-being (SAMHW).

I have curated a list that includes apps, videos and Instagram pages for mental health and well-being. All these resources were developed by specialists, researchers, or health professionals, and many were built on evidence-based programs.

I hope you all take a moment to explore these resources and download those that are best for you. Always keep in mind that these resources are not a replacement for mental health treatments.

Apps

Most popular app: Balance – Free for one year. Each day you answer questions and the app create personalized meditations for you.

Top 10 free mental health apps in 2022: List created by PsychCentral, a publication to help improve mental health and wellbeing.

Best mental health apps: compiled by Verywell Mind, a website dedicated to sharing informational and educational resources about mental health topics.

5 emotional wellness apps: published by Sonder Wellness, specialists in behavioral health and wellness.

Videos

Enjoy nature- check out my new video on the SJSU iSchool YouTube Channel!

5 minutes mindful meditation

5 ways to get moving and feel better

5 ways to wellbeing

Instagram Pages

@mentalhealthamerica – Non-profit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the mental health for all. 

@actionhappiness – Movement based in Denmark with the goal of helping people create a happier world.

@blacktherapistsrock – Organization dedicated to healing the wounds of racism and generational trauma.

@gemmacorrell - Comics about “mental health, pugs and so on.”

@official.joelle.trauma.therapy – PTSD and trauma expert. TED-Ed Video author.