Our mental health is a very fragile and precarious thing. Keeping it in good working order is just as important as maintaining our physical bodies, yet it’s something that people often take for granted, until it’s too late and they’re utterly burnt out by stress or anxiety. In recent years, there has been a large focus on the importance of good mental health, and the whole affair has become much less of a stigma than it used to be, so much so that there are now apps available that focus solely on keeping you positive. One of the very best offerings is called Supportiv, and it’s out now for iOS and Android.
If you find yourself stressed, annoyed, angry or lonely, Supportiv is the app for you. It’s a simple yet extremely clever idea; it creates anonymous support groups for the user, based on how they’re suffering. These groups are made up of other users, who are feeling the exact same way. The idea is that people with similar areas of stress or negativity can come together to talk and work through their problems, without fear of judgement or ridicule. The discussions are live, meaning users have instant access to a support group, when and where they need it.
When you download and open the app, a screen appears which asks what your struggle is. There are various options, like relationship, work, school and family, so you choose the one which is most bothering you. Next, you input what emotion you’re feeling about the chosen subject; sensitive, frustrated, anxious, negative and so on. Then you can join the specific group, and start chatting right away. There are no ads, but Supportiv does cost 15c a minute, working out at around $8 for an hour. If you don’t feel supported with your first visit, you’ll get your money back. It’s a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist, and the chance to bond with others in the same situation is an exciting and positive prospect.
Supportiv will also recommend you relevant resources in the form of articles, videos and podcasts, specifically tailored to suit your emotions and issues. All in all, it’s great to see an app attempt something so positive, and the interface is pleasant to navigate and well designed.
If you’re feeling low, don’t hesitate to give Supportiv a try; start feeling supported on the App Store and Google Play today.
