Table 3 Content analysis of participants’ free text responses about other reasons for using a mental health app and ideas for any other mental health app content
From: Digital tools to support mental health: a survey study in psychosis
Other reason for using a mental health app | Frequency |
It might help / it's an extra thing to try | 12 |
To keep track of my mental health (e.g. check progress, spot patterns/triggers) | 8 |
Convenience/ease | 5 |
To take part in research | 3 |
Recording symptoms in the moment, while I remember | 3 |
A place to get thoughts out of my head but not tell them to anyone | 2 |
Could help access support if needed (e.g. notify health professional) | 2 |
Opportunity to take control of mental health | 2 |
It can remind someone to check their mental health regularly | 2 |
Help deal with things in the moment | 2 |
Anxiety about explaining experiences face-to-face to a health professional | 2 |
Self-report more valid than assessment by a doctor | 1 |
Could help me get more organised at ordering medication from GP | 1 |
"NHS are shit" | 1 |
Distraction from symptoms | 1 |
Alternative to face-to-face appointment if can't attend | 1 |
Video calls with mental health workers | 1 |
General Knowledge/Mindfulness | 1 |
An app is normalising | 1 |
To organise my mind | 1 |
Using my phone as a health tool | 1 |
Good for when completing therapy | 1 |
Ideas for other mental health app content | Frequency |
Distraction and calming techniques and resources | 4 |
Online text chat with care team or supportive other | 4 |
Customization (e.g. profile pic, theme, colours) | 3 |
Reminders about personal care (e.g. hygiene, eating, fluid, exercise) | 3 |
Positive statements or reassurance | 2 |
Match me with research studies seeking participants in my area | 1 |
Appointment booking (routine and emergency) | 1 |
A mechanism for posting questions and receiving answers about them | 1 |
A graph to track progress with symptoms | 1 |
Art or music created by people who suffer from mental health issues | 1 |
Drug anonymous page | 1 |
Quick help | 1 |
Things that are important for me to know (for mental health) | 1 |
Very clear information about privacy measures, encryption, data storage, and who has access to data | 1 |
User friendly, with not too much reading required | 1 |