\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThis post was developed in partnership with Pfizer as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence<\/span>Central.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I know many people who struggle with depression. It can be very difficult for them to even complete the\u00a0<\/span>smallest tasks and in the worst stages to even get out of bed. It is very hard to watch someone you care\u00a0<\/span>about go through this because you know that they have so much good to contribute to the world.<\/span>Thankfully we are now very aware of depression and understand that there is help available.<\/span><\/p>\n

Millions in the United States suffer from depression and 1 in 15 adults have reported experiencing one\u00a0<\/span>major depressive episode in any given year. People can feel overwhelmed, alone and hopeless when\u00a0<\/span>dealing with their depression. Treatment for depression often includes a number of approaches such as\u00a0<\/span>talk therapy, medication, peer support, and a personal wellness plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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However, even with all that, it can be hard for some patients to stick with their treatment plan. The\u00a0<\/span>results of a recent survey found that 70% of patients being treated for depression or another mental\u00a0<\/span>health disorder would appreciate some type of mobile tracker to monitor their moods, treatment,<\/span>progress and more. The good news is that with all the advances in technology there are tools that can\u00a0<\/span>help patients<\/span>\u00a0as they\u00a0<\/span>manage their depression.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, I was selected to test an app developed by Pfizer called the\u00a0<\/span>Moodivator<\/span>. Pfizer consulted with\u00a0<\/span>psychiatrists to create this<\/span>\u00a0helpful\u00a0<\/span>tool that goes along with a patient’s treatment to provide\u00a0<\/span>motivation in a simple, effective and mobile way. The Moodivator lets patients track their\u00a0<\/span>mood,<\/span>set goals, establish routines and more that\u00a0<\/span>may\u00a0<\/span>assist them and complement their treatment. The\u00a0<\/span>app is easy to navigate and use, you can see a video about it\u00a0<\/span>HERE<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The app is free and can be downloaded for iPhones at the\u00a0<\/span>Apple App Store<\/span>. I downloaded it recently and\u00a0<\/span>was amazed at how easy it was to begin using. I liked that you could easily enter your mood and then\u00a0<\/span>add details of why you feel that way. You can also set goals for yourself. They can be things that you\u00a0<\/span>need to achieve that day or long-term goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>You are able to enter and keep track of important work, personal or family tasks as well. \u00a0There is also a\u00a0<\/span>reason that you enter for your goal so that you can remember why it is so important to achieve. Having\u00a0<\/span>an app like this on my smartphone makes it easy to see how this can really help someone who is taking\u00a0<\/span>baby steps to make positive changes and get more out of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If patients use the app consistently it can<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>provide<\/span>\u00a0great<\/span>\u00a0insight to them about why they feel certain\u00a0<\/span>ways and perhaps notice a pattern that can even be shared with their care givers if they choose. The\u00a0<\/span>mood tracker is a simple sliding scale so it is easy to adjust and record mood changes throughout the da<\/span>y. They may notice that they experience sadness at a certain time every day and may find it is\u00a0<\/span>triggered by the same thing every time. That knowledge can help them identify and eliminate triggers\u00a0<\/span>that will help them break that cycle<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Moodivator app is not a treatment for depression and does not take the place of your doctor’s<\/span>care or advice. This app also includes information about a prescription treatment option for\u00a0<\/span>depression.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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