Anxiety is a normal emotion. All of us can feel it, but sometimes it can get out of control and can lead to a mental health problem.

In fact, according to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly all young people in their research (86%) had felt anxious in the previous two weeks, and for over half (58%) of them, this had stopped them undertaking day-to-day activities. It’s therefore important we recognise and respond to anxiety early so that it doesn’t become overwhelming.

If you are supporting a young person who is experiencing anxiety, here are ten digital tools that you could use to help:

1. Daylight

Daylight is here to help with feelings of anxiety and worry. Designed specifically for a smartphone, it provides a tailored program for managing anxiety, based on an individual’s own needs, and keeps people on track with bite-size suggestions and check-ins.

• Age limit: People aged 18+ in Scotland
• Cost: Free
• Access via: https://onboarding.trydaylight.com/daylight/nhs/144#1/1

2. Togetherall

Togetherall is a free and anonymous online community available 24/7 to people who are looking for mental health support and a sense of connection. It is available across a variety of different Scottish local authorities.

• Age limit: 16+
• Cost: Free
• Access via: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/free-mental-health-support-for-your-community-in-scotland/

3. Calm Harm

Calm Harm is an app that helps a person to manage or resist the urge to self-harm.

• Age limit: 13+
• Cost: Free
• Access via: Google Play and Apple Store

4. Kooth

Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous website that allows young people to access tailored mental health and wellbeing support. It includes helpful articles, discussion boards, a daily journal, and a chat function where individuals can access support.

• Age limit: 16+
• Cost: Free
• Access via: http://www.kooth.com/

5. Headspace

A meditation app which offers guided meditations, courses, and mindfulness exercises on subjects like stress, general anxiety, worry, building resilience, and more.

• Age limit: 4+
• Cost: Limited free features, £9.99 per month, £49.99 per year
• Access via: Google Play and App Store

6. TalkLife

TalkLife is the world’s largest global peer support network for mental health providing support for anyone battling with the ups and downs of life.

• Age limit: 17+
• Cost: Free plus in-app purchases
• Access via: App Store and Google Play

7. Happify

Happify helps people to relieve stress and think more positively in just a few minutes each day through fun, evidence-based games, and activities.

• Age limit: 4+
• Cost: Free plus in-app purchases
• Access via: App Store and Google Play

8. Chill Panda

A fun gaming app that helps to reduce anxiety by helping children and young people learn to relax, manage their worries and improve their wellbeing. Tasks include simple breathing techniques and light exercises to take an individual’s mind off their worries.

• Age limit: 4+, made for Ages 6 to 8
• Cost: Free plus in-app purchases
• Access via: Apple App Store and Nintendo Switch

9. SAM – Self Help App for the Mind

SAM is an app that provides a range of self-help techniques which are organised into several main wellbeing themes. It also includes tools for recording and monitoring changes in wellbeing. There is a social cloud feature which allows users to give and receive support from others.

• Age limit: 12+
• Cost: Free
• Access via: Google Play and Apple App Store

10. Moodkit

MoodKit is an app that includes mood-enhancing activities. It helps people to identify and change unhealthy thinking, to rate and chart mood across time, and create journal entries to promote wellbeing.

• Age limit: 12+
• Cost: $4.99
• Access via: Apple App Store

As always, if you are trying any of these apps, then remember to be curious but stay critical.

Is there an app that you would add to this list? Why not submit it to our digital tools directory.