How to stay on top of your mental health in lockdown

What is it that people say? New year, new you. But with lockdowns still in place and more tiers than we know what to do with, you may find yourself struggling to be as positive as you’d like.

Now, more than ever, our mental wellbeing should be a top priority. So here are a few apps that were designed to help you leave those negative thoughts behind and embrace 2021 with all the positivity of a glittering rainbow unicorn.

My Possible Self: The Mental Health App – FREE Use simple learning modules to manage fear, anxiety and stress, and tackle unhelpful thinking. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Headspace – FREE to trial Meditation to help you stress less, focus more and sleep better. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Be Mindful – £30.00 An online course of 10x 30-minute sessions that will help reduce stress and anxiety using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Chill Panda - FREE Play your way to a calmer day. Use breathing techniques to help you relax more, worry less and feel better. Plus, there’s a cute panda. Get it on the App Store and Nintendo Switch.

Cove – FREE Create music to capture your mood and express how you feel. Available on the App Store.

eQuoo: Emotional Fitness Game – FREE An adventure game designed by psychologists to help you increase your emotional fitness and teach you new psychological skills. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Catch It – FREE Learn to manage feelings like anxiety and depression and look at problems differently. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

MeeTwo – FREE A safe and secure forum for teenagers wanting to discuss any issue affecting their lives. You can anonymously get advice from experts or other teens. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Beat Panic - £0.99 Helping you overcome panic attacks and anxiety wherever you happen to be by focusing your mind on something else. Available on the App Store.

Calm Harm – FREE Designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. Based on the principles of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). Available on the App Store and Google Play.

These apps are recommended as an extra tool to help you manage your mental wellbeing. But if you find you are struggling, please reach out to someone you trust – a friend, family member or a health professional. And remember, things will always get better.

Here’s to a bright and positive 2021.