Case Study - Helping People Overcome Mental Health Challenges
A little while ago, I started using an app to track and manage my mental health. Right away, it felt like it really didn’t understand me. It wasn’t just another tracker – it felt like there was something missing. Why isn’t there something like this for mental health? Especially since I’ve been dealing with anxiety and sleep issues for years.
Having people around dealing with mental health challenges, I had an idea of what could be helpful – something that doesn’t feel too clinical but more like a supportive companion, helping people through anxiety, stress, or sleep troubles in an easy, step-by-step way. The user research I conducted later on confirmed that this was something right. People wanted something like this, without too many features or overwhelming jargon. And that’s where this journey began
The Frustration I Wanted to Solve
I started thinking about what my friend who has been trying to improve their mental health have gone through and shared with me. I’ve watched them feel overwhelmed, unsure of where to start, and searching for a little bit of guidance. Many apps out there were trying, but they often felt too impersonal or were filled with so many features that they left users even more stressed than before.
I began to imagine what it would be like to open an app and instantly know where to go. No hunting for features, no confusion. Just clear guidance that fits right into the day-to-day rhythms of someone trying to manage mild mental health challenges.
So I started by talking to others who had faced similar frustrations. Friends and colleagues who struggled with mild to moderate mental health issues. Their stories echoed what I had witnessed: most mental health apps were either too complicated or not personal enough. They needed something that would offer clear direction and simple, actionable steps.
Making Mental Health Issues easy to Manage
What became clear from those conversations was that people didn’t want an app loaded with features – they wanted a guide. Something that would take them by the hand and say, “Here’s the next step.” That’s where the idea for this app came into play.
Imagine opening an app and being asked, “What do you want to improve?” Whether it’s better sleep, less stress, or handling anxiety better, the app would gently guide you, set realistic tasks and milestones based on your goals.
- Create a bedtime routine.
- Reduce screen time before bed.
- Avoid too much caffeine.
- Track your sleep patterns for a week, etc.
It’s simple, yet powerful. By breaking down goals into these small, manageable steps, users like me could feel like they were making real progress without getting overwhelmed.
The undeniable power of support either from Professionals or people in your condition
AI and Coaches
One of the things always missing from mental health apps was real support. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone. Whether it’s 2 AM and your anxiety is through the roof, or you’re having a hard day, knowing that help is just a tap away can make all the difference.
- AI Assistant: Available 24/7 for quick advice, breathing exercises, or helpful tips on managing stress.
- Real-life Coaches: When a user needs a more personal touch, the app can reach out to a real coach for advice. These coaches provide deeper support, help adjust goals, and offer a sense of human connection.
This feature means that users never have to navigate their mental health alone. Whether they need quick advice or a more meaningful conversation, the app provides the right kind of support when it’s needed most. It’s like having a supportive friend who knows exactly what to say when you’re struggling.
Community: Support From People Like You
One of the most powerful parts of this app is the community feature. Mental health challenges can feel isolating, but they don’t have to be faced alone. The app tailors content based on what users are tackling—whether it’s anxiety, stress, or sleep issues—and connects them with stories from others who are going through the same thing.
Users can join public groups (communities) filled with people tackling the same challenges. For example, if someone is working on managing anxiety, they can join the “Anxiety Management” community. Here, they can share experiences, ask for advice, and feel supported by others on a similar journey. It’s about finding comfort in shared struggles, knowing you’re not alone in the battle for better mental health.
Automatic Thought Recording and Journaling, CBT, and Mindfulness—Tailored Just for You
Mental health is personal, so the tools we use to manage it should be too. The app offers a range of tools that users can tailor to their needs, from journaling and CBT techniques to mindfulness exercises. But instead of just listing these tools, the app would suggest them based on the user’s goals.
For example, if a user’s goal was to manage stress, the app might recommend a short mindfulness exercise or offer a CBT technique to help reframe anxious thoughts. Everything is personalized to the user’s journey, making it feel less like an exercise and more like a supportive companion.
- Journaling: Users can reflect on their day, track emotions, or use guided prompts to explore their thoughts. The app can also guide users step-by-step through the process of completing an Automatic Thought Record, The could drive insights and encourage users to think critically about their thoughts and emotions.
- CBT Tools: Thought-challenging exercises help users replace negative thinking patterns, and Exposure Therapy, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.
- Mindfulness: Breathing exercises, body scans, or guided meditations offer real-time stress relief.
Celebrating Progress, One Step at a Time
There’s nothing more discouraging than working on your mental health and feeling like you’re not getting anywhere. I wanted to make sure users would see their progress—even if it was small. That’s why designed screens that show how far a user has gone in achieving their goals and show users how they’re improving.
For instance, after a week of tracking their sleep, a user might see: “You’ve improved your sleep consistency by 15% this week. Keep up the great work!” These little reminders of progress help people stay motivated. It’s a simple, visual way of saying, “You’re getting better, and it’s working.” Sometimes, that’s all you need to keep going.
Designing Something That Feels Like Home
The entire design process was rooted in making sure the app felt welcoming and human. I didn’t want people to open it and feel overwhelmed by options. Instead, the app gently guides users, offering small steps to take each day. Whether it’s setting goals, tracking progress, or chatting with a coach, the app keeps people focused on the essentials without getting lost in complicated features.
I listened to real people, understood their pain points, and made sure every feature felt like it was designed just for them. Every step of the process was focused on simplicity and clarity. There’s no need to dig through endless menus or get lost in a complicated journey – the app is there to guide you toward better mental health, one small step at a time.
A Companion, Not Just Another App
At the end of the day, I wasn’t just designing another mental health app. I was creating a companion – an app that listens, guides, and supports people in a way that feels manageable and kind. Because let’s face it, mental health is hard enough. Mobile apps should not make it harder.
Personlization Screens
These screens ask key questions to personalize the app and create a seamless, user-friendly experience tailored to individual preferences.
