As we live increasingly digital lives, saddling our phones in every waking moment; we are able to find more creative ways of using technology to better our lives. Research now shows that apps designed to boost your mental health can actually help us solve many problems more independently, rather than waiting to find sometimes costly and troublesome help. Many seize this option, preferring the privacy and anonymity that only the screen provides.

Although ubiquity of technology is often blamed for growing rates of depression and mental health issues among the young, technology can, ironically enough, act as one of the drivers of curing these problems too. Modern psychological breakthroughs are now being extrapolated and sold to the newer generation in a language we understand. Cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness have become efficient, accessible and effective solutions to problems we feel like we don’t have time to fully tackle. Taking short bursts of time out to use these apps regularly might just instil the positivity you’ve been searching for in your daily mental health. We’ve compiled the 12 best rated apps for to improve your mental wellbeing:

1) Sleepio*
iOS: ★★★★

Working to improve your sleeping patterns, this app combines the science behind CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), one of the most widely accepted methods of helping people achieve long-term, sustainable sleeping patterns. With scientists from all over the world, the app lets you build a customised program and gives you recommendations based on your data. You’ll also have your own virtual sleep expert; The Prof.

2) Bhuddify*
iOS:★★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★

This incredibly popular mindfulness app has over 11 hours of custom meditation for 15 parts of your day. Whether you’re commuting, being alone or taking a break from work, you can slip in that extra bit of mindfulness in to your day. Great for novices and experts alike, thee app is an affordable solution to stress, anxiety and even a generally great booster for mental health.

3) Moodkit*
iOS: ★★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★★
The 2016 winner of the Best Depression Apps by Health Line was designed specifically to develop a self-awareness of your mood and give you ways to improve it. Not only does the app have over 200 mood improvement techniques and customised solutions, it also allows you to use the app as a journal.

4) Lantern*
iOS: ★★★★
This app focuses on a customisable 1-1 coaching that allows you to choose the goals that you want to achieve. Not designed to suit a particular mental disorder or illness of that matter, the app is more of a mental bolster to support you, guide you and provide a positive attitude en route your goals.

5) PTSD Coach*
iOS: ★★★
Andriod: ★★★★
Targeting those individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the app is not only an education but also a coach, support and useful tool for assessment. It was designed for veterans and military servicemen and is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Aiming to provide positive guidance to everyday issues that PTSD sufferers face, the app has lots of tools ranging from relaxation to positive self-talk to anger management.

6) Talkspace*
iOS: ★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★
This one-on-one free interaction is rarely done and it’s rarely done well. With countless positive reviews, the app aims to connect you to a therapist at any hour you require. From your smartphone or laptop, it is totally anonymous and safe to use.

7) SAM (Self-help and Anxiety Management)*
iOS: ★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★
This app was the winner of the 2016 Best Anxiety Apps by Health Line, providing instant aid to those suffering from anxiety, whether its on a debilitating degree or on a mild level. It works to help you self-evaluate and think about things calmly and more patiently rather than all at once. Recording your progress, it can be a great start to recovery.

8) Calm Harm*
Andriod: ★★★★
iOS download
For those likely to engage in self-harming methods, you may often feel like this is something rational and even normal or reasonable. But give this app a chance, its a way to express those same emotions in a more productive and useful manner to oneself.

9) Elefriends*
iOS: ★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★★
Elefriends creates a community of individuals designed to support one another through the use of the app. Started by mental health charity Mind the app lets you post updates, scroll through a community feed, share photos and is even password protected. Your notifications are totally your choice but the app can be a way to realise how many more individuals feel just as you do on a daily basis.

10) Secret of Happiness
iOS: ★★★
Andriod: ★★★★
The most uplifting aspect of this app is that it challenges you to be positive, enlisting you to a battle with yourself – to better yourself. All the app requires is that you log on in the morning and before bed, training your subconscious mind to be more positive.

11) Headspace*
iOS: ★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★★
Amazon: ★★★★
Headspace focuses on mediation, aiming to encourage you to exercise more, sleep better and be less stressed. With 10 free lessons it allows you to practise the basics of meditation letting you train your mind for a more positive life.

12) What’s Up?*
iOS: ★★★★★
Andriod: ★★★★
Backed by scientific research into ACT (acceptance commitment therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) this app is designed to help you deal with issues such as anger management, depression, stress or anxiety. An intuitive and user-friendly app, it intelligently attacks your negative thoughts by distracting you and making you self-evaluate.