Apps to Take Care of Yourself: One Step at a Time

Tools to breathe, express, and move forward

Maybe you’re going through a tough time.

Too many thoughts. Too many emotions. Too much exhaustion.

You feel the need to talk… but you don’t know to whom.

Or you don’t have the energy to book an appointment.

Or you’re not quite ready yet.

What if you could start gently? From your phone. No obligation. No camera. Just a space to express how you feel.

Today, many apps exist to help support your mental health.

Some are run by professionals. Others are created by people, like you, who need a space to talk.

We’ve explored them for you. Here are the ones we find useful, accessible, and most importantly… human.

Who can benefit from these tools?

• You may be going through a difficult time.
• You feel overwhelmed, tired, isolated, or simply need a place to express your feelings.
• You’re hesitant to seek professional help, or you don’t yet have the energy for therapy.
• You’d like to discover simple, accessible tools you can use at your own pace, from home.
• You’re curious how mental health apps or online support groups might help you feel a little better.

If this sounds like you, this article is for you.

When looking for help, there are many possible paths

In Belgium and elsewhere, when seeking mental health support, there are various resources:

• Public or semi-public mental health networks (known as “107” networks)
• Local platforms listing independent professionals
• Support groups or group therapy
• And now, also, digital apps, which complement this landscape.

Apps do not replace medical care or therapy if needed, but they can:

• Offer a first space to express yourself
• Break isolation
• Provide occasional support

Help you take the step toward more structured support

A quick reminder before we start

• Group therapy: structured psychological support led by a therapist, in a small group
• Support group: a more informal space for sharing between people with similar experiences; can be led by a professional or a trained peer

Some apps offer experiences similar to these spaces.

Why use these digital tools? What research says

Mental health apps and online support groups are not just gadgets.

Research shows they can have a real impact on psychological well-being.

For example, a systematic review (a rigorous analysis of multiple existing studies) conducted by Lattie et al. (2019), published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, evaluated the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions.

Conducted by researchers at Northwestern University (Feinberg School of Medicine) in the US, the study analyzed 27 international studies (from the US, Europe, and Asia) on the impact of mobile apps, online programs, and digital support groups.

The main population studied was university students, a group often facing stress, anxiety, and depression.

The results showed that these interventions significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve psychological well-being.

Furthermore, the effects are even more positive when these tools include a social component or peer support: the opportunity to connect with others, to feel understood and supported, plays a key role in the benefits observed.

Apps that can make a difference

(Click the app name to install it 😉)

•  Mosaik : One-hour anonymous, supportive video groups, led by trained moderators (not therapists). Topics include anxiety, sensitivity, loneliness, self-esteem… Simple, no pressure. From €10 per session.
•  7 Cups : Anonymous text chat with volunteers 24/7. Also offers support groups and (paid) therapist access (~€140/month). All via text. Great if you prefer not to use a camera.
•  Marble : Designed for teens (13–18), with groups led by specialized psychologists. Topics include emotions, stress, self-confidence… Gentle and supportive. About €20/session, sometimes reimbursed.
• iFeel : Starts with a short online assessment, then matches you with a psychologist or coach, sometimes in group settings. Available in French, English, or Spanish. Pricing depends on your subscription or employer coverage.
•  Circles : Audio-only support groups led by peers or professionals. Spaces for grief, breakups, anxiety… Listen or participate. Very flexible. Around €14–28/month.
•  Sesh : Gives access to numerous therapist-led groups. Unlimited participation on topics like anxiety, relationships, or confidence. Supportive and structured. €55/month with free trial.
•  Wisdo :Community support based on “life paths” (burnout, grief, illness…). Connect with others going through similar experiences. Free basic access; premium ~€28/year.
•  Peanut : For women in different life stages: pregnancy, motherhood, fertility, menopause… Groups, forums, and chats. Free and gentle.
•  Lyf : A space to write about your feelings, read others’ stories, and feel less alone. Paid professional support also available. Intimate and often very helpful.

If you prefer more informal formats…

Other apps to explore (peer support, free expression, audio chats):

• Quilt : Live audio conversations about well-being, self-esteem, or relationships
• Humans Anonymous : Anonymous voice groups on various mental health topics
• Therapeer : For trained peers or coaches leading groups
• HeyPeers : pour les pairs formé(e)s ou les coachs qui veulent animer des groupes
• Waffle : Shared journal among close ones, useful for couples or friends

And what about Healing Together?

At Healing Together, we believe each path to well-being is unique.

We don’t create these apps, but we highlight those we find respectful and helpful.

And if one day you want to go further:

• We can help you find support groups or group therapy guided by caring professionals, online or in-person.
• To explore more resources, check out our article on mental health networks in Belgium.

Not sure which to choose? Here’s some guidance:

If you want to talk without video, in a more discreet space, apps like Mosaik, Circles, or Quilt offer audio or text-based groups.

If you prefer a structured therapeutic setting with a professional, try iFeel, Sesh, or for teens, Marble.

If you’re going through a particularly difficult time (grief, stress, anxiety, isolation), Wisdo, Lyf, or Peanut offer compassionate spaces.

If you want to express yourself creatively or freely, Lyf, Waffle, or Therapeer are great tools.

And if you’re a teen, or a parent of a teen, Marble is an excellent starting point.

Conclusion: one small step, and you’re no longer alone

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be a big leap.

Sometimes, installing an app, listening to others’ stories, or writing down your feelings can be a reassuring first step.

These tools don’t replace therapy but can help you feel less alone, find comfort, or prepare for deeper support if needed.

And if one day you feel ready to go further, you can explore support groups and group therapy available online or nearby — to help you move forward at your own pace, in a caring environment.

Also, feel free to explore our other articles to better understand these approaches and find the support that’s right for you.

💛 You can start small. One step, one app, one breath. The most important thing is not to stay alone. 💛

Apolline, from Healing Together

NB : Scientific reference used in this article :

Lattie, E.G., Adkins, E.C., Winquist, N., Stiles-Shields, C., Wafford, Q.E., & Graham, A.K. (2019). Digital mental health interventions for depression, anxiety, and enhancement of psychological well-being among college students: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 245, 886–903. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31333198/