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We all have our worries, and it’s undeniable that COVID-19 has made our lives all the more challenging in the past year
What’s worse, asking for help when you’re feeling down is the hardest thing to do.
But we have some good news! There are currently several local mental health providers that are offering Malaysians easier and more accessible ways to seek help.
Here are three Malaysian-made mobile apps to help you deal with your struggles without needing to leave your home:
1. PlusVibes
PlusVibes is a mobile application that aims to combine all of your mental health needs on a single platform.
The app’s founder, Malaysian-born Madiha Fuad, had her own experience with depression that led to this project.
According to their website, she said the app’s goal is to help people who need a little bit more motivation during the low points in their lives.
“We all go through tough days and sometimes we just need a support system or a shoulder to lean on,” she said.
In addition to being a great library of motivational videos and uplifting meditation content, PlusVibes features an in-house chat service to connect you with a qualified volunteer listener when you need someone to talk to.
For those who require more urgent or professional assistance, the app also has a directory of local mental health orgnisations to get users in contact with a certified therapist or counsellor.
Download it on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Cost: Free
For more information, visit their website here.
2. ThoughtfullChat
ThoughtfullChat was started by Joan Low who told The Edge Markets that she created the app after her own family dealt with a loved one being diagnosed with a mental illness.
Low wanted to make psychotherapy (or talk therapy) more easily available and affordable to those who needed help reframing their thoughts.
On ThoughtfullChat, users are able to message a certified mental health professional whenever they need to. However, it is subscription-based – you get one-month unlimited access to your own personal therapist at the usual price of a one-hour session at a private clinic.
The app also provides other personal development tools and resources, as well as keeps track of current stress levels, happiness levels, and quality of sleep.
Download it on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Cost: RM199 per month
For more information, visit their website here.
3. The Help Talk
Image via Alvin Tan
The Help Talk is another popular online counselling platform for users to easily seek therapy with licensed counsellors and clinical psychologists from the convenience of their phone.
According to The Vulcan Post, the app was started by clinical psychologist Alvin Tan along with two other co-founders after they realised that many couldn’t afford private counselling services in Malaysia.
They launched the app and website in 2017 for users to message a mental health professional when they need to. The therapist will then respond to them once or twice a day from Mondays to Fridays.
This way, there is no need for appointments – the clients can still seek help whenever, therapists can provide therapy at their convenience – and overall cost of services is reduced.
The therapists will help users go through their issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, relationship or family conflicts, loneliness, low self-esteem, trauma, anger, grief, and so on.
Download it on Google Play Store.
Cost: RM192 per month
For more information, visit their website here.