The 5 best apps to deal with anxiety

Quick and easy solutions to get through the tough times.

Middle aged woman holding phone

Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders in Australia with one in 10 people experiencing some type of anxiety disorder every year.

Different types of anxiety can range from a feeling of general anxiousness where people worry about simple day-to-day matters, panic attacks and social anxiety whereby sufferers avoid social interactions for fear of embarrassment.

Techniques for reducing anxiety include meditation, relaxation, and counselling. But there’s also a host of apps out there to help you to get through your day with a calm and positive mindset.

Here are some of our favourites:

1. Calm

A simple mindfulness meditation app that brings clarity and peace of mind.

2. Anxiety Reliever

Think calming audio recordings, helpful tips, an insightful tracker and supportive messages to live a more peaceful life.

3. Head Space

Gym membership for the mind. Headspace is your very own personal trainer for your brain.

4. Worry Watch

More of an anxiety journal, Worry Watch identifies your underlying worry patterns or trends to challenge your perceptions and help change your future thoughts in a positive way.

5. Panic Relief

Designed by mental health professionals, PANIC RELIEF guides you through panic attacks to help you overcome your fear

Looking for an offline solution?

Naturopath Mim Beim recommends a technique called belly breathing. “Anxiety sufferers often breathe shallowly and fast and adopting a slower, deeper breathing style will bring long-term relief,” she says.

“Breathe through your nose, to a count of three or four, focus on filling the abdomen with air as you breathe in, and releasing on the out breath. Practise this several times a day.”

Beim also suggests some diet dos and don’ts for dealing with anxiety. “Caffeine increases the production of adrenaline, the hormone you want to decrease,” she says.

“Avoid coffee, cola and caffeinated energy drinks and reduce tea and chocolate. A drop in blood sugar can also trigger anxiety. Eat small meals regularly, including a portion of protein with each meal.”

And remember, if you’re experiencing any distressing signs and symptoms of anxiety, discuss this with your GP so you can get to the root cause of how you’re feeling rather than just continuing to live with it.

Further Information:

Beyond Blue:www.beyondblue.org.au

Foundation 49:www.49.com.au

Black Dog Institute:www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 - For those under 18 years of age

Just Ask: 1300 131 114

Mensline Australia: (24 hours) 1300 78 99 78

SANE Helpline: 1800 18 SANE (7263)

Originally published on bodyandsoul.com.au | Words Fiona O’Callaghan

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