| Company | Price | Platforms | Moods Tracked | Generates Reports |
| Moodfit | Free with in-app purchases | iOS, Android | Stress, anxiety, depression | Yes |
| Worry Watch | Free with in-app purchases | iOS | Stress, anxiety, panic disorder | Yes |
| MoodTools | Free with in-app purchases | iOS, Android | Depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD | No |
| PTSD Coach | Free | iOS, Android | PTSD | No |
| eMoods Bipolar Mood Tracker | Free with in-app purchases | iOS, Android | Bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression | Yes |
| MoodKit | $4.99 | iOS | Stress, anxiety, depression | Yes |
| MindShift CBT | Free | iOS, Android | Stress, anxiety, panic | Yes |
| Daylio | Free with in-app purchases | iOS, Android | Mood, stress, depression | Yes |
Guide to Choosing the Best Mood Tracker Apps
Are Mood Tracker Apps Worth It?
- While mood-tracking apps are not a substitute for therapy or medication, they can complement professional care.
- Useful features include resources, emotion tracking and management tools, and online support to help individuals better understand their moods and the situations and activities that impact them.
- Statistics and insights can help avoid specific triggers and develop healthier habits.
- Other tools, such as journals, thought trackers, and goals, motivate active steps to boost mood.
- Therapeutic videos, mindful meditations, breathing exercises can help when professional care is unavailable.
- Some apps generate reports to share with providers, aiding diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Comparing Mood Tracker Apps
Consider these factors when choosing a mood-tracking app:
- Price: Many apps offer robust features for a one-time fee or monthly subscription, while others provide useful features for free.
- Platforms: Ensure the app is available for your device and meets its tech requirements.
- Moods Tracked: Consider whether you need a general app or one focused on a specific mood disorder.
- Reports: If you see a therapist, reports that can be downloaded or shared may be helpful.
- Interactive features and resources: Some apps offer resources like exercises, videos, affirmations, coping cards, safety plans, and online support.
- Research base: Look for apps with science-based activities and resources. Many use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
How to Use Mood Tracker Apps
- Complete any initial sign-up requirements for personalization.
- Use the initial questionnaire to help the app tailor information and activities to your needs.
- Check in or write a daily journal entry to track and monitor your moods.
- Update the app regularly to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
- Most apps are free to download but offer premium features for an added cost or subscription fee. Try the free version first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mood-Tracking Apps Work?
- Mood trackers help practice healthy habits and take steps toward improving mental health.
- They allow you to monitor moods, identify impactful activities or situations, and avoid triggers.
- They are tools for learning effective thinking, relaxation, and coping methods, but not a substitute for professional treatment.
Do Mood Trackers Help With Disorders Like Bipolar?
- Mood trackers can aid in lifestyle changes that support treatment for bipolar disorder.
- Identifying, understanding, and managing moods and symptoms can improve quality of life.
- Combined with professional care, mood trackers offer healthy habits, coping strategies, affirmations, and online support.
Is There an App to Check for Depression?
- Mood tracking apps can help identify patterns in moods and thought patterns, including depression.
- Apps like MoodTools help users recognize negative thoughts and use a research-based test to determine depression signs.
- Users can retake the exam regularly to understand symptoms over time.
- However, no app can substitute for a mental health professional's diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
- We considered apps with robust tracking, charting, and journaling features.
- Affordable apps with free versions or minimal fees (less than $10) were included.
- We prioritized apps with research- or evidence-based tools.
- User-friendly interfaces were also a factor.