Between balancing classes, part-time jobs, internships, social commitments, and the looming concern of student debt, university students face various stresses. It’s no wonder that mental health apps have surged in popularity as students seek quick, affordable, and accessible ways to manage their mental well-being. From guided meditation banks to mood trackers, these digital tools promise to ease anxiety and stress — all within one app. But how effective are they? 

The rise of mental health apps

Globally, university students experience high levels of stress, with over 40 per cent of students experiencing symptoms of depression. While U of T provides mental health resources — including in-person counselling and virtual tools like U of T Telus Health Student Support — there is a growing shift to digital mental health interventions. 

Mental health apps may be the first step in help-seeking because their anonymous nature helps avoid stigma and can reach underserved individuals. Nearly 20,000 mental health apps are available, with over 20 million downloads worldwide for apps like Calm and Headspace. These apps offer features like breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, mood trackers, and, with a subscription, online access to licensed therapists. 

“Mental health apps are accessible, easy-to-use, and flexible,” wrote Vanessa Ip — a masters student at U of T’s Institute of Medical Science — in an email to The Varsity. “Students have busy schedules, in addition to a limited budget, so digital applications focused on mindfulness, journaling, and therapeutic techniques are an easy and low-stakes way for them to practice and try self-care techniques.”

Do these apps actually work?

While the convenience is undeniable, the question remains. 

In a 2020 Journal of American College Health study on the demand for mental health resources, 53 per cent of college students had downloaded an app, but only 19 per cent were actively using it. A 2019 analysis in the Journal of Medical Internet Research also noted that user retention was a major challenge, with many people stopping use of the apps after 10 days. It reported on students’ need for mental health apps to involve a reliable, safe, personalized, and credible design. 

Individuals with mental health concerns may rely on self-help or informal support before seeking professional treatment to avoid stigma, receive timely assistance, or save money. However, many of these apps are of low quality, lack healthcare professionals in their development, have confidentiality breaches or safety issues in case of an emergency, and overall, lack evidence-based practices. 

Oversimplifying mental health care?

Mental health apps have undoubtedly made mental health care more accessible, but Ip warns of the risk of oversimplifying mental health support. 

“I think the way mental health care apps advertise their services and benefits [is] one of the causes for these thoughts of oversimplification — as opposed to a complementary service to go with other modes of support,” she wrote. “People may approach these apps as a one-fix-all solution, without considering other apps, therapy delivery methods, or types of therapy.”

“Similar to when you choose a family doctor or in-person therapist, there needs to be a good fit and understanding of your mental and physical health needs,” Ip emphasizes. Apps can be helpful tools, but they are not a complete replacement for comprehensive care. 

Striking a balance

Mental health apps can be valuable resources for university students when used wisely. They offer a low-cost, accessible way to begin addressing mental health challenges, but they are not a panacea.

“I do think increasing awareness and usage of mental health care — not only digital apps — is causing mental health to be more frequently discussed and less stigmatized,” Ip advises. “Creating more opportunities for accessible health care and encouraging others to openly talk about their mental health journeys allows for the topic and reaching out for help to become more ‘normalized’.”

Ultimately, the key is balance. While these apps can offer temporary relief and help, they work best when integrated into a broader mental health plan. If you’re looking for immediate, confidential support from a trained crisis responder or counsellor, Good2Talk is a versatile option. They provide phone and text support for post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7. It’s suitable for students seeking a safe, anonymous space to talk to or text someone without judgment.

What’s next for digital mental health?

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized care are leading the way. Today, apps like Bearable and Life Notes help users manually track symptoms, moods, and habits — such as water intake and hours of sleep — offering valuable insights into their mental and physical health. 

While these apps currently rely on user input, future apps could expand on this idea. They might integrate smartphone sensors to passively collect data such as movement patterns, social interactions, and vocal tone, potentially enabling real-time insights into a person’s state of mind.

“I think that AI is beneficial in providing empathetic and personalized responses in this digital age,” wrote Ip. “A number of healthcare workers are concerned about being ‘replaced’ by AI but we should definitely approach AI and related technologies as a way to supplement therapeutic interventions and healthcare access. In the context of mental health apps, AI has the potential to improve the efficacy and relationships with therapeutic applications.”

Mental health apps are here to stay, and their role in student wellness will likely continue to evolve. As the field of digital mental health grows, will these apps become indispensable tools for mental well-being, or will they remain nothing more than a digital Band-Aid?