By Dr Fadh Yusof

Why mental health matters in medicine

Doctors face unique challenges including long hours, emotional strain and the constant responsibility of patient care. These factors can contribute to elevated risks of stress, burnout and psychological distress.

Access to reliable mental health support is just as critical as clinical resources for doctors at all career stages – including interns – especially during demanding ward rounds, overnight shifts and high-pressure situations.

Digital health tools provide discreet, evidence-based support that fits into busy schedules. Here are five highly rated apps to help doctors maintain mental wellbeing.

Five apps recommended for medical professionals

	1. Shift Specifically designed by Black Dog Institute to support junior doctors to manage depression, anxiety and burnout. Cost: Free (fully funded by the NSW Ministry of Health) Features: Mood and sleep tracking; CBT and mindfulness exercises; practical tips on diet, exam prep, and bullying. Download: iOS | Android
	2. Smiling Mind: Mental Wellbeing An evidence-based mindfulness app developed in Australia by psychologists. Cost: Free Features: Dedicated workplace programs for focus and stress management, with sleep hygiene modules to build consistent wind-down routines. Download: iOS | Android
	3. Medito: Meditation & Sleep A mindfulness resource designed to make mental health support accessible to everyone. Cost: Free Features: Offering guided meditations, sleep stories, nature sounds, and breathing exercises for stress relief, focus, and better sleep. Includes a ‘Work Life Pack’ for workplace conflict and ‘Emergency SOS’ for acute stress. Download: iOS | Android
	4. Finch: Self-Care Pet Gamified self-care for sustainable wellness. Cost: Free with an optional Premium (Finch Plus) subscription for additional pets, furniture and exclusive exercises. Features: Mood tracking and journaling; guided breathing exercises; a virtual pet that grows as you complete self-care tasks. Download: iOS | Android
	5. Wysa: Mental Wellbeing AI AI-powered mental health support with optional human coaching. Cost: Free for AI chat and basic tools; Premium for the full self-care library or 1:1 session with a human coach. Features: An AI chatbot using CBT and mindfulness techniques; mood tracking; anonymous, stigma-free support. Download: iOS | Android

Final words

Mental health is foundational to safe, compassionate care. Whether you utilise the professional focus of Shift, the evidence-based modules in Smiling Mind, the accessible mindfulness of Medito, the gamified support of Finch, or the AI-driven guidance of Wysa, these tools offer practical and confidential support. By integrating these resources into daily routines, clinicians can better manage the emotional and physical demands of modern medicine.

Dr. Fadhullah (Fadh) Yusof is a Paediatric Registrar at Monash Children’s Hospital.