Mindful Companion: Indian Mental Health Apps To Explore for your Well-Being

In recent years, there has been a significant cultural shift towards openly discussing mental well-being, with people from all walks of life engaging in these conversations. This growing awareness has paved the way for innovative solutions, particularly in the form of mental health apps. With the rise of smartphones, these apps have become increasingly popular, offering a wide range of services such as mood tracking, meditation, psychoeducation, and online therapy sessions. So, let's explore some noteworthy apps designed to support your mental health journey.

1. Evolve

The inspiration for Evolve goes back to 2017 when their founder Anshul Kamath started a passion project to understand what made individuals better versions of themselves. This mental health app is designed to enhance well-being through scientifically supported techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. It offers a variety of tools, including daily meditations, mental health tests, journaling prompts, and self-care courses tailored for both general users and the LGBTQIA+ community. With a focus on self-discovery, personal growth, and relationship management, Evolve aims to provide users with the resources needed to improve their mental health and foster a positive mindset. The app is free to download, with some content available through optional paid subscriptions.

2. Wysa

Wysa is an emotional health chatbot designed to provide support and well-being tracking through friendly, conversational interactions. It offers mood tracking, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, daily meditations, and personalised coping tools for issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Users can engage with Wysa for free, access a variety of mindfulness exercises and even seek guidance from qualified mental health professionals for additional support.

3. Amaha

Amaha is a mental health self-care app designed to support users in feeling better and maintaining their well-being through a range of tools, including over 600 self-care activities, mood and goal trackers, and a personal journaling space. The app offers expert-curated resources and community support for various mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. With a focus on mindfulness and therapeutic techniques, Amaha provides a comprehensive platform for users to cultivate mental health and build sustainable self-care habits.

4. MANAS

MANAS is an initiative by the Government of India’s Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser aimed at creating a national digital platform for mental well-being. Collaborating with psychologists and mental wellness experts, it provides scientifically backed resources, including information, self-awareness quizzes, and interactive self-help strategies. The platform seeks to enhance the mental well-being of Indian citizens through accessible, expert-developed content.

5. THAP

THAP, or The Happiness Project, is a mental wellness app designed to help users address stress, anxiety, and depression through tailored mental well-being tools. Developed by qualified psychologists and psychiatrists, the app encourages self-awareness and offers interventions based on therapies like CBT and mindfulness to help users understand their emotions and promote positive change. Suitable for any adult seeking to prioritise their mental health, THAP aims to support users in their unique journeys toward happiness and self-care.

6. Now&Me

Now&Me is one of India's leading apps for emotional support, connecting users with top therapists, psychologists, and life coaches at affordable prices, trusted by over 500,000 Indians. The app allows users to chat with experts for instant advice, engage in a community feed, and access self-care tools to manage stress and emotions. With 24/7 availability, certified professionals offer personalised support on various topics, including relationships, anxiety, and personal growth.

While these apps can be valuable tools, they are not a substitute for professional mental health care, especially in severe cases. Please reach out to an expert for more.