Imagine a world where you can find help for mental health issues right on your phone. Researchers decided to find out if this might work for those dealing with less-serious but still troublesome mental health issues.

        You know how sometimes you feel down, or anxious, or just can't sleep, but it's not bad enough to see a professional? That's what doctors call "subthreshold mental health issues. " These issues can still make your life difficult, but they don't fit the criteria for a full-blown diagnosis.  The are a real issue in today's world, and can be experienced by anyone, anywhere.

        You might assume mental health apps are only good for serious problems, but what about those less-serious issues, those that aren't diagnosable?  Can apps help fight anxiety and depression, and can they help you get a good night's rest?

        To test this, researchers created a test in which they used six different versions of mental health apps. They weren't just trying to see if the apps worked at all. They wanted to know if certain features or structure in the app would work better. In the end, they had participants rate how helpful each app was and how it was structured.

        After six weeks, participants were asked about their experience. More than half said that they had improved their mental health. They had fewer anxiety and depression symptoms.  But what were the issues?

        There were several problems.  The study had only 150 people, a very small amount. This makes it hard to say for sure if the results would be the same with a bigger group. Also, everyone in the study knew they were getting an app, so they all had a positive idea in their heads. This could make the results seem better than they really are. And lastly, the apps were all from the same developers, so it's possible that other apps might not work as well.

        On top of that, this isn't a substitute for a full evaluation from a doctor.  Mental health is a complex issue.  But the research shows that apps can be a useful tool when traditional treatment is not feasible.  Even though these apps won't cure all mental health problems, they could help you take the first step towards getting better.  Some people have even found that apps give them the confidence to go see a therapist.

Small Steps To Big Help: Can Apps Fight Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Issues? .

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