It's difficult to pinpoint the source of your feelings of despair at times. Causes may include stress, anxiety, anger, depression, or something else. The only thing you are sure of is that you don't want to feel this way any longer.

Fortunately, some apps can help you eliminate such thoughts and feelings immediately. However, note that these apps can't replace therapy, and it's best to seek professional help instead of relying solely on mobile apps. Instead, use these options for complementary help and temporary relief.

1. Wysa

Wysa is an AI-powered chatbot that helps you get through difficult times. Wysa uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and meditation sessions to assist you in dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental issues.

CBT is a proven and effective treatment for various mental disorders, and there are several CBT apps to help improve your mental health available on iOS and Android. Wysa sets itself apart with an extensive library of self-care exercises that can help you sleep better, manage anger, and be more productive.

You can also choose a dedicated therapist with live audio, video, or text sessions through the app. Wysa also has a convenient SOS button that attempts to calm you down if you have an anxiety or panic attack.

Download: Wysa for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

2. Rootd

Rootd is a straightforward app that aims to alleviate anxiety and panic. It includes guided breathing and visualization exercises to provide immediate relief when needed. It also contains some mental health lessons to help you understand it better. In addition, the app has a Panic button that you can use whenever you feel anxious or have a panic attack. When you press the button, Rootd will ask you how you're feeling and present two options: Confident and Not Good. You must choose one based on your mood. Depending on your choice, it'll provide you with a series of prompts to help you deal with your feelings.

Furthermore, Rootd includes a journal where you can record your mood to feel better. The app consists of statistics that show how far you've progressed. Before checking in, select the Anxiety Check-in option, which asks you a few quick questions to assess your anxiety levels.

Download: Rootd for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

3. Headspace

Headspace is a well-known and noteworthy meditation app that can address anxiety and stress. It has a wide range of meditation guides across four sections: Meditate, Sleep, Move, and Focus.

In the Meditate section, there are two dedicated categories: "SOS" and "For Stress and Everyday Anxiety." If you are experiencing a panic or anxiety attack and do not have access to a therapist, you should enter the SOS section for immediate assistance. Meanwhile, the For Stress and Everyday Anxiety section contains daily meditations to help you overcome feelings of anxiety and stress.

Furthermore, depending on your feelings, you can explore categories such as Burned Out, Losing Your Temper, Panicking, Frustrated, Reset, and more. These are 3-minute sessions that will help you relax when you need it the most. If you enjoy this app, you can get the most out of Headspace by diving deep into its contents.

Download: Headspace for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

4. TalkLife

TalkLife is a community-based peer-to-peer support app that connects you with others who are going through similar experiences. It's a solid option for when you feel like no one understands you and need someone with whom you can talk.

You can post anonymously and vent about anything without fear of being judged. If you don't want to post, you can comment or react to other people's posts. Furthermore, you can find an "I Need Help" option that displays your local helpline numbers or calls them if you require immediate assistance. There's also a wellness center with various self-care guides.

This app lets you chat with others and share your feelings while remaining anonymous. After reading some posts, you'll realize you're not the only one going through what you're feeling. When you launch the app, you'll get a few questions to help you find the right community. You can always change your mind later if you want to try out other communities.

Download: TalkLife for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

5. Amaha

Amaha is a self-care app focusing on activities that make you feel better. It asks you questions to determine what you need help with and how you've been feeling in recent weeks and months.

Then, the app creates a plan based on the self-assessment test and includes some daily activities to help you overcome feelings of stress and anxiety. Along with mindfulness and positive psychology, Amaha uses CBT to improve mental health. It claims that experts have curated the resources available within the app to assist you.

It has a goal and mood tracker that allows you to set goals and track your mood throughout the day to prepare some insights about yourself. Furthermore, in times of despair, you can speak to an AI-powered chatbot or a therapist to help you understand your requirements.

Download: Amaha for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

6. MindDoc

MindDoc is a journaling app that helps you log your mood and monitor your mental health with a series of questions. It provides some insights into your symptoms and behavior following that. Besides, it offers a library of courses and exercises to help you get better over time.

Every time you log in, you'll have to go through a series of questions that helps MindDoc understand you better. The Results section in the app can take around 14 days to generate an assessment of your mental health.

Beyond that, MindDoc teamed up with BetterHelp to connect users with licensed therapists for a wide range of treatments. You should consider using this app if you're looking for ways to manage your symptoms and self-initiate behavior change.

Download: MindDoc for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

7. Youper

Youper claims it employs CBT techniques to help you overcome depression and anxiety. When you register, it prompts you with a questionnaire to better understand your symptoms and provide you with solutions.

It develops a plan for you that gradually improves your mental health. The program generally consists of daily check-ins, symptom monitoring, and meditations. These activities, however, change every day as you progress.

Youper offers a vast library of activities that can assist you with work, stress, depression, anxiety, and other issues. You can track your progress and journal your experiences easily in the app.

Download: Youper for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

8. Bloom

Bloom evaluates your behavior using a series of questions and then assigns you a score based on your responses. Later, it employs a variety of activities, guided programs, and journaling to help you improve your mental health, which is especially useful if you're dealing with overwhelming stress or anxiety.

Bloom's guided programs include self-care practices aimed at increasing positivity in your thoughts. When you want to relax, there are several videos in the Explore section that you should watch. Moreover, the app plays a soothing background sound as you browse its content for a peaceful experience from the moment you open it.

Like many other apps, Bloom employs CBT techniques to improve your mental health. Seth Gilligan, a clinical therapist and author, designed the videos used in the Bloom app.

Download: Bloom for iOS (Free, subscription available)

Treat Stress and Anxiety With Professional Help and These Apps

Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, or stress, these apps can help you get some relief when you don't have immediate access to a professional therapist or someone trusted to talk to. Most of the apps in this list use the CBT method, which might not work for everyone. However, you can take advantage of the apps' free trials and stick with each one for a few days to determine whether it works for you.