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This article was written by Lilith Perkins - (Unity) Specialist Substance Misuse Practitioner at The Matthew Project.
Young people in the UK have access to a range of free mental health apps designed to support emotional well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, low mood, or just need a safe space to talk, these apps provide practical tools and professional guidance. Here are five of the best mental health apps for young people in the UK that are available to download for free:
1. Tellmi
Best for: Peer support and moderated community discussions
Tellmi is a peer support app where young people can share their feelings in a safe, moderated environment. Users can connect with others who have similar experiences while remaining anonymous. The app is monitored by professionals to ensure a safe and supportive space. It’s a good choice for those who find comfort in talking to peers about their mental health.
2. Calm Harm
Best for: Managing self-harm urges
Calm Harm is an award-winning app designed to help individuals resist the urge to self-harm. It offers various activities to distract, comfort, express feelings, release tension, and practice breathing exercises. The app is private, password-protected, and customizable to suit individual needs. It’s a valuable tool for young people looking for immediate coping strategies.
3. Clear Fear
Best for: Managing anxiety
Clear Fear is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help users manage anxiety. It provides tools to reduce physical symptoms of stress, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. The app includes guided breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques, making it particularly helpful for young people struggling with anxious thoughts.
4. Smiling Mind
Best for: Mindfulness and meditation
Smiling Mind is a mindfulness and meditation app designed to help young people improve their emotional resilience. Created by psychologists and educators, it offers guided meditation sessions tailored for different age groups, from children to young adults. The app focuses on reducing stress, improving sleep, and promoting overall well-being. It’s a great option for anyone looking to introduce mindfulness into their daily routine.
5. Worth Warrior
Best for: Managing body image and self-worth issues
Developed by the teenage mental health charity stem4, Worth Warrior is designed to help young people manage negative body image, low self-worth, and related early-stage eating difficulties or disorders. The app uses principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E) and offers activities focusing on changing negative thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and body image perceptions. It's a valuable tool for those looking to improve their self-esteem and develop healthier relationships with their bodies.
These five apps provide valuable support for young people dealing with mental health challenges. While they offer great tools and guidance, it’s important to remember that they are not substitutes for professional therapy or medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted adult, a doctor, or a mental health professional.
Organizations like YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk) and The Mix (www.themix.org.uk/) offer additional resources and support.