Mentis- Good apps for low mood ask for very little: a two-minute check-in, one small action.
- Behavioural activation (small, scheduled activities) has strong research behind it.
- If low mood has lasted more than two weeks, an app is a support, not the answer. Please talk to someone. Free help in India.
What helps on low days
- Tiny actions. A five-minute walk outside, a shower, a message to one person. Behavioural activation research (Cuijpers et al., 2007) shows scheduling small rewarding activities can lift mood as well as more complex approaches.
- Naming the day. A quick mood rating, without judgement, helps you notice what changes it.
- Kindness to yourself. Self-compassion practices reduce the harsh inner voice that keeps low mood going.
- Sleep and light. A steady wake time and morning daylight support mood more than most people expect.
What to avoid
- Apps that demand long daily sessions or punish missed days with broken streaks.
- Anything that promises to "cure" depression.
- Apps with no clear route to crisis support.
How Mentis fits in
Mentis's daily check-in shows low days as cloudy or rainy skies without judgement, and Mimi suggests one small step. Plans include outdoor steps ("Afternoon daylight, not the fourth coffee"), connection ("One person, on purpose") and self-compassion ("What the critic said, what a friend would say"). If you miss days, the plan shifts into a gentle recovery mode instead of starting over.
Check in with yourself using the free low mood self-check (PHQ-9), and read our guide to depression.
Frequently asked questions
Can an app treat depression?
No app treats depression on its own. Self-help apps can support day-to-day mood with tools like behavioural activation and mood tracking, and research suggests they help some people with mild symptoms. Depression that lasts more than two weeks or affects daily life needs a professional. Tele-MANAS (14416) is free in India.
What is behavioural activation?
Behavioural activation means scheduling small, doable activities that bring a sense of pleasure or achievement, even before you feel like it. Mood often follows action, not the other way round. It's one of the best-studied self-help approaches for low mood.
Is Mentis suitable for depression?
Mentis is a wellness app for everyday low mood, stress, sleep and overthinking. It can sit alongside professional care, but it is not a treatment for depression. If you've felt low for weeks, please talk to a doctor or call 14416.