A software engineer and cofounder of the MyBubble mood tracker app, Mr Fisayo Obilaja, has said mental health apps on smart phones can provide youths with resources to empower them to manage stress, track moods, practice self-care and assess support for better mental health.
Mr Obilaja, speaking at the January 2024 virtual Interactive Monthly Community Engagement Series of the Asido Foundation, with the theme ‘Digital Tools for Youth Mental Health,’ stated that these apps can provide convenient access to personalised resources for mental wellbeing, fostering a proactive approach to mental health.
According to him, mental health apps address their concerns, provide support and offer tools for managing emotional wellbeing.
He added that the general utility ones, although not designed specifically for mental health support, address productivity, organisation, entertainment, fitness and other non-mental health-related functions.
“MyBubble app helps with mood tracking, MindShift helps with anxiety, ‘Take a Break’ supports relaxation and medication, and ‘eMoods Classic’ is useful for people with bipolar disorder. ‘Relax with Andrew Johnson Lite’ is a relaxation tool that helps individuals sleep better.
“Notion, a general utility tool, for instance, can take journals, create plans and help with problems with procrastination. Spotify has podcasts that people can listen to that focus on mental health; it has music that can improve mood and reduce anxiety,” he said.
He, however, declared that these apps or tools provide information and resources to support mental well-being, but they are not a substitute for professional healthcare services.
“Mental health tools can be helpful by providing accessible, convenient and personalised resources that empower individuals to manage stress, track moods, practice self-care and access support.
“These tools often contribute to increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies and a sense of control over one’s mental wellbeing, fostering a proactive approach to mental health. But it is essential to recognise that mental health conditions vary and individual experiences differ,” he said.
