Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide and self-harm.
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, the figures released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in March 2021 showed that deaths caused by “intentional self-harm” have increased to 25.7% more compared to 2019.
According to health experts, the pandemic has an evidently profound impact on mental health. With people stuck at home, it may increase one’s feeling of isolation, loneliness, and stress. While we stay on our phones most of the time, we, or someone we know, may need these mobile applications designed to help in depression management and suicide prevention.
Stay Alive
Grassroots Suicide Prevention, a charity organization supporting communities to prevent suicide, developed an application filled with information to help one in staying safe. The Stay Alive app is a pocket suicide prevention resource advised to be used when one is having suicidal thoughts or if one is concerned about someone. It includes a safety plan, customizable reasons for living, and a LifeBox to store photos for their coping needs.
Available for iOS and Android devices. Free without in-app purchases.
MoodTools - Depression Aid
When one is feeling sad, anxious, or depressed, this could be of help. It is designed to combat depression and lighten one’s negativity. It features research-supported tools to help in aiding one’s road to recovery, including: “Thought Diary” to help analyze thoughts, and identify negative thinking patterns; “Depression Assessment” in tracking the symptom severity over time; and a “Safety Plan” which includes emergency resources to keep you safe. It also provides other activities to help regain one’s energy and track moods.
Available for iOS and Android devices. Free with in-app purchases.
Sanvello: Anxiety & Depression
Offering in-demand help for stress, anxiety, and depression, this application could help save lives. It keeps track of one’s mood on a daily basis which helps control the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also provides progress assessments that could help in tracking and setting goals for the future.
Sanvelli: Anxiety & Depression could be downloaded for free but there is also a premium version of the application that features in-app digital self-care content, coaching, and psychotherapy.
Available for iOS and Android devices. Free with in-app purchases.
While we continue to keep ourselves safe from the COVID-19 virus, it is also important to make our mental health and well-being a priority.
With the theme “Creating hope through action,” World Suicide Prevention Day 2021’s goal is to raise awareness on suicide prevention around the world and address suicide and self-harm through preventive actions.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help immediately. Below are some options for immediate support. 
