Screenshot from How We Feel app.
There are so many apps for digital art making and mental health support. How do you make sense of them all? How do you keep track of them all? Look no further! Check out my blog each week to find a review of an app that you may want to use as a client, a parent, or a provider. I’ll break down the intended use, target audience, usability, cost, technical requirements, pro’s, con’s, and whether, in my opinion, the app is worth your time and money.
This week I’m reviewing How We Feel. How We Feel is a free app that helps users to identify and track emotions as well as other important metrics such as sleep and hours of exercise. The app also provides mini lessons about coping strategies including meditation and positive affirmations. The app was developed by The How We Feel Project in partnership with Dr. Marc Brackett, Dr. Robin Stern, and Dr. Zorana Pringle of the Yale University Center for Emotional Intelligence. Users of the app can choose to keep all of their data confidential or share de-identified data to help advance research in emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Intended Use:
To expand vocabulary to accurately identify and describe the user’s feelings.
To track emotions over time with the goal of finding and understanding patterns.
To increase the user’s range of healthy coping strategies.
Target Audience: The app is listed as being appropriate for ages 4 and up. Younger children may require the support of an adult to understand all of the vocabulary used in the app. Users 12 and up should be able to use the app independently.
Usability: The interface is easy to navigate and the primary tool (an emotional check in) is the first option on the home screen. Users can set up push notifications to remind them to check in a specified number of times throughout the day. After several days, users can look at their data represented visually to help them quickly discover patterns that contribute to positive or negative mood.
Cost: The app is free and there are no advertisements.
Technical Requirements: Available on iOS or Android smart devices.
Pro’s: The app is easy to use, offers research-based coping strategies, helps users identify nuances of emotions, and is free of charge.
Con’s: The app may be difficult to use for younger children (under age 10-12) or people with intellectual disabilities. The app is currently available in English language only.
Is it worth it? This app is worth your time and attention. It can be used as a self-help tool or in combination with mental health treatment.
