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 “This post was developed in partnership with Pfizer as part of an Influencer Activation for InfluenceCentral.”

I know many people who struggle with depression. It can be very difficult for them to even complete the smallest tasks and in the worst stages to even get out of bed. It is very hard to watch someone you care about go through this because you know that they have so much good to contribute to the world.Thankfully we are now very aware of depression and understand that there is help available.

Millions in the United States suffer from depression and 1 in 15 adults have reported experiencing one major depressive episode in any given year. People can feel overwhelmed, alone and hopeless when dealing with their depression. Treatment for depression often includes a number of approaches such as talk therapy, medication, peer support, and a personal wellness plan.

However, even with all that, it can be hard for some patients to stick with their treatment plan. The results of a recent survey found that 70% of patients being treated for depression or another mental health disorder would appreciate some type of mobile tracker to monitor their moods, treatment,progress and more. The good news is that with all the advances in technology there are tools that can help patients as they manage their depression.

Recently, I was selected to test an app developed by Pfizer called the Moodivator. Pfizer consulted with psychiatrists to create this helpful tool that goes along with a patient’s treatment to provide motivation in a simple, effective and mobile way. The Moodivator lets patients track their mood,set goals, establish routines and more that may assist them and complement their treatment. The app is easy to navigate and use, you can see a video about it HERE.

The app is free and can be downloaded for iPhones at the Apple App Store. I downloaded it recently and was amazed at how easy it was to begin using. I liked that you could easily enter your mood and then add details of why you feel that way. You can also set goals for yourself. They can be things that you need to achieve that day or long-term goals.

You are able to enter and keep track of important work, personal or family tasks as well.  There is also a reason that you enter for your goal so that you can remember why it is so important to achieve. Having an app like this on my smartphone makes it easy to see how this can really help someone who is taking baby steps to make positive changes and get more out of life.

If patients use the app consistently it can provide great insight to them about why they feel certain ways and perhaps notice a pattern that can even be shared with their care givers if they choose. The mood tracker is a simple sliding scale so it is easy to adjust and record mood changes throughout the day. They may notice that they experience sadness at a certain time every day and may find it is triggered by the same thing every time. That knowledge can help them identify and eliminate triggers that will help them break that cycle

“The Moodivator app is not a treatment for depression and does not take the place of your doctor’scare or advice. This app also includes information about a prescription treatment option for depression.”