Feeling Low? These 7 Depression Apps Might Help

Mental health apps have transformed smartphones into a private, always-available sanctuary — offering guided therapy, mood tracking, journaling, meditation, and more. While apps aren't a substitute for professional care, they can play a vital role in managing symptoms and building healthy routines.

Here are 7 powerful depression apps that may help you feel more grounded, supported, and hopeful — even on the darkest days.

1. Mana – Your Daily Mental Reset

If you’re feeling emotionally drained, anxious, or simply disconnected, Mana stands out as the most holistic mental health app on the market. This beautifully designed app helps users cope with depression by blending science-backed techniques with soul-soothing audio content.

What makes Mana exceptional?

• Over 50,000 minutes of audio for anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress

• Guided CBT-based sessions, tapping exercises, breathing practices, and mood check-ins

• Daily meditations, mood tracking, personalized recommendations

• Sleep stories, colored noises, ASMR, and binaural beats

• New original content added every day

• Track your mood, minutes meditated, and your healing journey

Whether you’re struggling to get out of bed or trying to wind down after an emotionally exhausting day, Mana is a reliable emotional anchor. Its sessions are grounded in psychology, yet feel like a comforting voice in your ear.

Try Mana completely free

2. Moodpath – Depression and Anxiety Tracker

Developed with clinical psychologists, Moodpath is designed to detect depression symptoms early and help users reflect on their emotional state over time. The app checks in with you three times daily and generates a bi-weekly mental health assessment you can share with your therapist.

Key features:

• Daily mental health check-ins

• Personalized insights based on your responses

• Over 150 psychological exercises and tools

• PDF reports for therapy use

Moodpath is especially valuable for people who are trying to make sense of their feelings or preparing for therapy sessions.

3. Sanvello – On-Demand Help for Stress and Depression

Sanvello combines CBT, mindfulness, and mood tracking in one platform. It’s a clinically validated app used by both individuals and health providers. The interface is clean, intuitive, and full of actionable content.

Top features:

• Daily mood tracking and journaling

• Guided journeys based on CBT techniques

• Goal setting and progress tracking

• Peer support and discussion boards

• Integration with health plans (many people get it free through insurance)

It’s a go-to choice for users who want a structured but non-intimidating approach to managing depression.

4. Woebot – Your Friendly Mental Health Chatbot

Woebot brings therapy to your fingertips via AI-driven conversations. It’s not a therapist, but it mimics therapeutic dialogue using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. The idea is simple but powerful: talk to Woebot daily, and you’ll slowly develop better emotional habits.

What users love:

• 24/7 chatbot that listens without judgment

• Conversational and non-clinical tone

• Bite-sized lessons based on CBT

• Proven in clinical trials to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms

Woebot is great for people who want consistent check-ins but aren’t ready for live therapy.

5. Shine – Daily Support for BIPOC Mental Health

Co-founded by women of color, Shine offers inclusive mental health support for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). It’s a mix of daily self-care audio, articles, and community support rooted in cultural context.

Shine includes:

• Daily meditations, pep talks, and affirmations

• Self-care courses for anxiety, burnout, and self-worth

• A focus on identity, inclusivity, and representation

• Journal prompts and mood tracking

It’s a beautifully curated space for those who want their mental health tools to reflect their lived experiences.

6. Youper – AI Therapy & Emotional Health Assistant

Youper blends emotional intelligence, psychology, and AI to provide a personalized mental health assistant. It guides you through conversations that identify cognitive distortions, patterns, and triggers — helping you reshape them using proven psychological strategies.

Standout features:

• Conversational CBT approach via AI

• Emotional insights and mood analytics

• Guided meditations and breathing exercises

• Journal and self-help toolkit

Youper is particularly helpful for those who enjoy self-reflection and want more data on their emotional patterns.

7. Calm Harm – For Managing the Urge to Self-Harm

Specifically designed for teens and adults dealing with self-harm urges, Calm Harm uses evidence-based techniques like DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to redirect impulses and build emotional regulation skills.

What it offers:

• Activities categorized into “Comfort,” “Distract,” “Express,” “Release,” and “Breathe”

• 5-15 minute tasks to ride out emotional waves

• PIN protection and private journaling

• Developed with clinical input and teen feedback

If depression shows up with intense emotional dysregulation, this app can be a gentle lifeline in moments of crisis.

How to Choose the Right Depression App for You

Not every app will resonate with every person. When deciding which tool to try, consider the following:

• Do you prefer journaling, meditations, conversations, or structured therapy tools?

• Are you looking for immediate emotional relief or long-term change?

• Do you want community support or privacy and solitude?

• Do you need something clinically structured or something comforting and intuitive?

Many of the apps on this list offer free trials or freemium versions, so it’s easy to test a few and see what suits you best. If you’re looking for a complete toolbox — one that gently supports your mental, emotional, and even spiritual wellbeing — Mana is the most comprehensive solution available.

Can Apps Replace Therapy?

Apps are not meant to replace professional help but to complement it. For some, they’re a first step into healing. For others, they’re a supplement to therapy or medication. And for many, they’re a steady companion on days when getting out of bed is the biggest victory.

If you're in crisis, contact a local emergency line or reach out to a mental health hotline like 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US), available 24/7.

Final Thoughts

Depression doesn’t disappear overnight, but support — even in digital form — can make a real difference. Whether you're trying to sleep better, ground yourself during anxiety attacks, or simply feel a bit more human, these apps are powerful allies in your healing journey.

Mana deserves special recognition for its balance of calming design, deep therapeutic content, and cutting-edge features. Try it for free today and take a step toward daily emotional wellness: mana.pro

About the Author

Jenna Miles, M.A. in Clinical Psychology, is a digital mental health writer and certified mindfulness facilitator. She has contributed to leading wellness platforms and specializes in evidence-based tools for emotional resilience and self-care.