Depression as we are so often reminded is one of the most debilitating and life threatening of illnesses that affects a huge number of men and women across the UK. Here we highlight some of the apps that can make a very real difference to sufferers.

Smiling Mind - Young people in particular are prone to depression, and this app is specifically targeted at facilitating recovery through the use of meditation. Developed by a team of psychologists with extensive experience in the treatment of adolescents, this is an app that if used on a regular basis can have a very real impact.

Moodwatch App - Awareness is the first step forward in the fight against depression; monitoring mood can aid the sufferer as well as friends and family members to ascertain patterns with regards to routine, whilst the insight of inventor Kimberly Knox (herself a bipolar sufferer) cannot be underestimated. A simple app that provides a daily insight to better prepare the sufferer for an accurate diagnosis from medical professionals.

Depression CBT Self Help Guide - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has often been lauded as one of the best ways to combat depression with its action focused approach to changing mood. This Android app offers up a tracking feature to ensure you’re following instructions correctly as well as relaxation audios and screening tests that monitor the severity of the sufferer’s depression.

February 2014