If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911 or visit your local health care centre.

Mental Health and Wellness apps can make a big difference in your overall wellness by helping you be more aware of your mood, behaviours, and potential triggers. Self-regulation and self-care – with the help of an app or otherwise – are useful tools in and can be a helpful part of an overall approach to personal mental wellness. They are not the only tools available and if you need help in-person this is available by accessing one of the programs available in the NWT.

They can help you by:

• providing daily reminders to take care of yourself;
• teaching and reinforcing healthy ways to manage stress or depressive episodes;
• leading you through breathing exercises;
• helping with visualization when experiencing anxious episodes and panic attacks;
• providing support for substance use recovery;
• having peer support options; and
• offering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that provides practical approaches to problem solving.

These apps can also connect you with people who understand and can offer support on-line or by phone. Below is a list of different mental health and wellness aps that are developed by reputable sources. They are owned and operated by third parties but are available to NWT residents. Take a look at the different apps, and the services they provide, to see which may be right for you.

Disclaimer: The resources listed below include links to various sites on the Internet that are owned and operated by third parties and are NOT affiliated with the Government of the Northwest Territories (‘GNWT’) in any way. By choosing to follow those links, you hereby acknowledge that you understand that the linked websites are independent from the GNWT and they are not subject to GNWT laws, including laws on the collection, use, and disclosure of personal (health) information. You also acknowledge that the GNWT has no control over the content of such websites and is not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy for any third-party websites or any other materials, products, or services of third parties. Consequently, you agree that the GNWT cannot and will not be held liable for the content of those third party websites and makes no warranty or representation whatsoever as to the accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the information contained on such websites. The links which we place on our Website do not imply that we sponsor, endorse, or are affiliated or associated with, or have been legally authorized to use any trade-mark, trade name, service mark, design, logo, symbol, or other copyrighted materials displayed on or accessible through such sites.

Rootd

Rootd is a panic attack and anxiety relief app, free to all Canadians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Rootd's content is based on clinical research and includes an in-the-moment interactive panic attack tool, a deep-breathing tool, an active visualization tool and soothing nature sounds, plus lessons on understanding and managing panic attacks and anxiety in the short term and long term.

Visit the Rootd website and download the app here.

Stronger Minds (MindBeacon)

This is a free program launched for Canadians as an ongoing support for people struggling with the stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19. It is an ongoing program delivered by clinical experts, offering guidance and information on a wide span of topics related to living and mental health.

For more information on Stronger Minds and other services, click here.

BreathingRoom

BreathingRoom was created for youth aged 13-24. It is an evidence-based eMental health option that supports youth and young adults in learning new ways to manage stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as strengthening their existing coping skills.

BreathingRoom was developed with input from over 100 young people. It is a self-directed program designed to be taken over 8 weeks for 20-30 minutes per day. However, as it is self-directed, youth can complete the program at their own pace.

Youth can register online here, or you can download the BreathingRoom mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, and enter the code XXQTGPUE to gain full access to the program.

7 Cups

7 Cups is an app based on peer-support and self-help, and is available to youth (13-17) and adults of all ages. Trained volunteer listeners are available 24/7 to provide anonymous and free support through online chat. Individuals can access chat rooms and forums for a variety of life challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, LGBTQ2+ issues, and more. The app also provides a customizable personal growth path.

Online support from a licensed therapist is also available for those aged 18+, at a cost of approximately $33.00/week.

Visit the 7 Cups website here.

EHN Wagon Addictions Virtual Aftercare

A free, abstinence-based, online maintenance program that can be accessed following addictions treatment (facility-based or on-the-land).  Individuals can set recovery goals, track their progress, participate in therapeutic groups, access individual counselling, and more.

This aftercare support is flexible, personalized, and backed by science.

Residents can register for the EHN Wagon program by contacting their local counsellor, calling 1-866-926-4196, or booking an aftercare assessment online (the link is external).

A brief assessment may be required to ensure this support meets the recovery needs of everyone.