Discover the online tools Alice-May Purkiss uses to help manage her mental health.

Whenever we talk about looking after our mental health, one of the things that’s often thrown around as a solution is the idea of ‘self-care’. Self-care is "the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's well-being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress."

Unfortunately, several lifestyle companies and their cynical marketing have muddied the self-care waters. Self-care is often seen to be synonymous with lighting candles, having bubble baths, and donning expensive face masks.

In reality, self-care is much more straightforward than that. For people – like myself – who live with long-term mental health issues, self-care isn’t about massages and yoga (although they can obviously help!). It's more about getting out of bed, brushing our hair, cleaning our teeth, or tidying our homes a little.

For those who need it, self-care is far from the version we often see online.

That said, some parts of the internet can be safe places for people who may feel in constant battle with their brains. And thank goodness, as one in two of us will face mental health issues at least once in our lifetime.

Apps and online resources I use alongside my other mental health management tools

Apps, podcasts, communities, and games are popping up all over the place to help us manage the parts of our brains that are prone to giving us a hard time. None of them are cures for mental health issues. However, they're great tools to have in my arsenal when I need some techniques to help.

1. Headspace

I know everyone groans when meditation and mindfulness are mentioned as tools for preserving your mental health. Still, after taking a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) course, I see how mindfulness can help stop your thoughts from spiraling. 

Headspace (available on iPhone and Android) is billed as "meditation for modern life." It aims to help you live a healthier, happier, and more 'well-rested' life in just a few minutes daily. It covers all the tips and advice you need to start out. You get hundreds of themed sessions covering everything from stress and sleep to focus and anxiety.

Getting into the habit of frequent meditation has been a game-changer for me. Taking a few minutes out of each day to shut down my brain and concentrate on breathing helps stop my feelings of anxiety. It reminds me that I'm a human who is doing my best.

2. Clementine

I was also skeptical when I heard about Clementine for the first time. A hypnotherapy app?! But after being recommended it by a person whose opinion I value greatly regarding matters of the mind, I decided to give it a shot.

Clementine aims to help you feel calmer, believe in yourself, and sleep better. Sounds good, right? How does it work? According to the app, “Hypnotherapy teaches your mind to see things differently. It can help you to see a problem from a new angle or to view yourself in a new light”. It does this by “helping you enter a natural state of hypnosis. In a hypnotic state, your mind is relaxed, calm, and more suggestible. It's perfect for learning new empowering thought patterns, ideas, and perspectives.”

I get mantras that buzz through to my phone a few times daily, reminding me that I am "brave and bold and brilliant." Those notifications have transformed how I speak to myself.

3. Side by Side

Side by Side is billed as a supportive “online community where you can listen, share, and be heard.”

The community was started and is managed by the people at the UK mental health charity Mind. Side by Side is a forum where anyone struggling with mental health can share tips, tricks, stories, and advice without fear.

The concept values the power of shared experiences and perspectives so that those within the community don't just get help but give help, too. Unlike many other online spaces, Side by Side is moderated to keep it safe. The available peer-to-peer support is incredibly powerful.

From my perspective, there’s nothing better than talking about your mental health issues and someone saying, “I see you. I’ve got you. It will get better”.

4. Podcasts

As of February 2024, an estimated 3.2 to 4.1 million podcasts are available worldwide. Deciding which ones to listen to can be anxiety-inducing in itself!

But many brilliant people talk about their brains and what goes on inside them. Use your preferred podcast app to find solace and comfort when needed.

Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place sees the DJ and writer interview brilliant guests like David Tennant, Hilary Clinton, and Kelly Holmes (to name just a few). At the same time, Bryony Gordon's Mad World is a limited series with interviews from people like Frank Bruno, James Purefoy, and author Matt Haig. Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee aims to "empower you to become the architect of your own health." The podcast provides various hints, tips, and inspiring interviews (as a swimmer, I LOVED the Ross Edgley episode).

I also love listening to old episodes of Griefcast with Cariad Lloyd, a podcast of “funny people talking about death.” Although the podcast has officially been on hiatus since 2023, there are still 190 episodes to explore, lasting about an hour each.

Cariad talks to a different guest about their experiences of grief. Together, they share their views on the pain, loss, and weirdness that happens when someone dies. While grief isn't necessarily the root of my depression and anxiety, there's something powerful about hearing people talking so openly and frankly about their feelings. Very much worth a listen.

5. Social media 

It might seem counterintuitive to recommend this because we often see reports that tell us how damaging social media can be to our mental health.

(However, some 2024 studies are now debating whether the link between social media and mental health issues is as clear-cut as we once thought).

But using social media mindfully can make a massive difference.

Be sure to cultivate your social media and only follow accounts that make you feel good about yourself and your life. So mute or unfollow anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable. If you know you have issues with your body, try only following those in the body positivity community. Find people who celebrate their bodies rather than those who make you pick apart your own.

I follow those whose ethos and attitude to life are similar. Likewise, I avoid anyone who could make me slip into negative thought patterns. The mute button is a powerful tool if you’re worried about offending anyone.

Ultimately, your mental health is paramount. Being thoughtful about who you follow and how you use social media is integral to surviving the modern world.

Lastly - and it sounds almost too simple - WhatsApp can also be a great communication tool. If you're feeling low, reach out to your loved ones. They want to hear from you. And they will likely want to help. So let them.

The takeaway

There are so many tools that exist to help us manage our mental health these days. These are a few examples of what works for me, but you might find other things that work for you.

But remember that none of these resources are replacements for professional medical help. So, if you need more support or feel in crisis, contact your doctor or other mental health services in your area.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-00858 JANUARY 2025