Looking for the best free apps to cope with stress, worry, sadness, or poor sleep? In this video, I discuss highly rated mental health apps as of 2025, what to consider when choosing self-care apps, and what’s in my personal coping toolbox.
Content warning:
- Video mentions suicide and suicidal feelings.
- Apps are not for emergencies. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services.
- I do not endorse and am not affiliated with any treatment, company, product, or service.
As a retired audiologist with over 40 years of experience, my goal is to separate fact from fiction about your hearing health.
Self-help apps mentioned in my video include: AbleTo, Amaha, Aura, Breathe2Relax, Buddhify, Calm, Daylio Journal, 10% Happier, Happify, HappiSign, Headspace, Insight Timer, Joyable [paid only], Mindshift, MY3 Suicide Prevention [updates pending], Oak, Relax and Sleep, Resound Relief, Sleep Bug, Tao Mix, Wysa [AI], Youper [AI].
Since I recorded this video, I took a bullet for the team and tried the Wysa “AI Friend” app. It was a terrible friend. So I won’t recommend AI mental health apps, even if recommended by other experts. These apps are killing too many people due to lack of safeguards and no human oversight.
I am trying out my newest coping tool: the free version of the Finch app. I’ve used it 2 or 3 times a day for 76 days and counting now. That’s enough to develop new daily habits towards better self-care. I like the small flexible goals. You don’t have to dress-up your bird or decorate your birdhouse if you don’t want to. I’ll be sharing a tool review on using Finch in 2026.
Crisis Support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Association Québécoise de Prévention du Suicide (French): 1-866-APPELLE
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or live chat: http://www.kidshelpphone.ca
- US Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Canada Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
- UK Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
- Ireland Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 50808 🌐
Video Research & Resources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8075488/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/top-iphone-android-apps#A-quick-look-at-the-best-depression-apps
- https://janlmayes.ca/tools/
- https://www.ata.org/about-tinnitus/patient-tools/apps/
- https://healthandevidence.com/ai-health-advice-gone-wrong-10-shocking-examples-that-risk-lives/
- https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/artificial-intelligence-mental-health.html
Check out more of my tinnitus-hyperacusis and harmful noise content at Safe Sound Science with Granny Jan.
For a change of pace, settle in for one of my scary sweary fiction tales on the YouTube at Messed Up Storytime with Granny Jan.