It's National Suicide Prevention Month: 5 Apps Designed to Help Reduce Depression and Anxiety
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and this week is National Suicide Prevention Week. The purpose of both events is to reach out to people who have been affected by suicide and to raise awareness and connect individuals with suicide prevention services. Suicide for all age groups has been on the rise across the nation since 2016. With our busy, disconnected lives, it's pretty easy to get lost in a cycle of negative thoughts. One of ways to decrease suicidal thoughts is to surround yourself with things, activities, and people that make you feel positive about you. For those moments in your life when you can't be around positive folks and you're feeling depressed and anxious, give these apps a try.
1. Happify. It doesn't matter if you're feeling stressed, depressed or anxious, Happify gives you the tools to help you take control of your emotional well-being. The app has an assortment of tools and activities that will help improve your mood. There are resources in the app that will help you with meditation and relaxation.
2. Stay Alive. This app acts as a suicide prevention resource for you to carry around with you. It contains tools and information to help you stay safe if you are feeling suicidal or if someone you know is feeling suicidal. Things included in the app are, safety contacts, a wellness plan and an assortment of exercises to distract you from those negative thoughts.
3. Headspace. A hectic lifestyle can lead to dark and depressing thoughts. If you need help slowing down and clearing your head, try Headspace. This app teaches you how to meditate on a daily basis and gets you to focus on your inner creativity and helps you learn the art of personal acceptance.
4. My3. This app is another great suicide prevention resource. You can build your support group of friends and family, build a safety plan which can help de-escalate, and get access to important resources like 24/7 access to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
5. Calm. Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Calm is the solution you’re looking for. This app is packed with meditation programs and also has a feature called 'Sleep Stories' that is a series of audio bedtime stories that will help you get to dreamland.
These apps are helpful, but if you or your loved one are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, use these resources:
Call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 This links to centers around the U.S. Volunteers are trained to help. Really. NOTE: You can also call if you’re worried about someone else
Call Playful Awareness. Suicide Prevention resources for Children, teens and adults. Contact Sara Minges, LPT at (913) 244-8786. You can visit them on the web at www.playfulawareness.com
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