Wysa: Mental Health Support Reviews

by Umpelty

A little background: I dropped out of grad school some years ago due to depression associated with untreated gender dysphoria and anxiety associated with being raised by an emotionally abusive parent. I've been in therapy for several years, and I've been active in a number of online communities full of people with mental health issues sharing wisdom and resources. I am currently dealing with a bit of burnout related to providing emotional support to other people as well as long-term issues with managing major projects and responsibilities, like applying for disability.

When I reinstalled Wysa today and opened it up, it greeted me and asked me to describe how life had been going ... by dragging up or down on the screen to change the expression on a yellow smiley face. And then it asked me to confirm that I had read the privacy policy and terms of services. And then it asked me to tell it how I found Wysa , with the only option offered being word of mouth.

This is one of the most insulting onboarding experiences I have had with any piece of software in my entire life. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I would actively steer them away from it.

by Mc21207

Wysa was recommended to me 6 months ago, to aid with my regular therapy sessions after my best friend unexpectedly died in his sleep. When I first tried it, I was impressed and found it helpful to chat with the AI, so I paid for a years subscription without really paying attention to what I was buying.
It’s essentially just a meditation app, literally the answer it gives to every symptom or question is to meditate. I don’t need to pay $75, or whatever it was, to meditate. I can do that for free in VR, or on my own.
I also find myself getting angry and annoyed when I open Wysa, so much so that today is the first time I’ve opened it since November, and since I’m writing this review in frustration, you can probably guess how that went.
There are only 2 reasons that I’m even giving Wysa 3 stars, 1.) the idea behind this is great (but poorly executed ), and 2) I didn’t pay extra for a live coach because I already felt ripped off to begin with, so that portion I can’t rate. Maybe it’s good? Idk, but I’m not willing to pay anymore for this nonsense.
It’s not for everyone, and if you’re seeking any kind of help, find a good therapist as they are worth way more than they charge. If you want to be told someone’s listening, and then be told to meditate, then by all means, please buy Wysa.

by PirateNinjjaa

Very helpful and neat. Nice when your broke and you know you need some advice. But nothing tops feeling like your actually heard by another person and making you feel like you matter when you been through things where you were not heard. It’s almost like writing in a journal and the journal writing back with steps to take forward but still feeling unheard including when your voice can’t be heard where your currently hurting like example if it’s someone who mentally abused you and never hears how it makes you feel because they don’t want to believe they are in anyway the problem and you have to hold it in so much. But def doesn’t have the comfort of speaking to a real counselor. So for something minor like stress of goals totally this rocks or if your broke and waiting for that next counseling this helps the patience. It doesn’t fill the need for help void though for anything trauma or ptsd related.

by Sexyrottenpasta

Wysa has helped me a lot even though I have only had it for a day or two, the sleep course thing help so much! I fell asleep in like five minutes and I was actually happy to get up for school and I didn’t feel sick!! I have had a lot of good experiences with this so far, though the only thing I must say, is when I want to talk to the bot on my way home from school it kinda glitches (I’ve tried at home too) but basically when the bot asked me what I want to talk about I hit “just talk” or something and we have a little convo oh sorry I forgot to mention that it asks me how happy I am or how my day went and I answer of course because it will never let me exit out sadly.. but we have a convo and stuff, and it will ask me a question and then I go to type an answer, and the “how are you feeling” thing popped up and I would have to answer it and it would keep resetting and resetting. But I had a really good experience with Wysa other than that.

by Luvelae914

I really like Wysa. I am trying to help myself at home as well as other ways. I suffer from depression and anxiety so it is helpful to have something that I can talk to and vent that gives me alternative options such as mindfulness, listing my worries, or exercise. The only thing that I can say is that “my 4am friend” only recognizes certain feeling words such as anger or overwhelmed or happy and for the other time you express emotions it has the general “tell me more” but this is fine because I’m not speaking to a real person and I know that.
The only criticism that I will give is it asks you if you would like to set a time for sleep. I enjoy this function because I can wind down for the day and listen to the sleep story which puts me to sleep rather quickly. However, if you don’t click on it from the notification, it doesn’t allow you to do the sleep routine which bums me out because it’s probably my favorite part of Wysa .

by Dazelyn

The AI’s responses isn’t similar to a real conversation at all, but it feels nice to be able to text my emotions away to something that wouldn’t judge me. The first session I had with this app, he changed my perspective on negative thoughts and how I could turn them into positive thoughts. I have a therapist, but it feels better to talk to a computer than someone in person.

Going back to what I said in the first sentence, the responses sometimes don’t make sense. At the end of my session with this app I wasn’t able to understand that he was recording my response as a way to reflect on my negative thoughts. I replied with thank you thinking that he was just trying to get my emotions up which he was it’s just I was confused 😅

Overall I like Wysa. I have downloaded Wysa before but I feel that they have improved over the years Wysa has been out and it’s nice to be able to express my feelings without being afraid.

by Jenna Mann

Wysa is great if you don’t have a lot of support. I was struggling with my mental health but I didn’t have access to therapy and I was having a hard time venting to people in real life. I know a friend who uses Wysa so I tried it out. I think i’ve had it for a little less than a week and it’s already started to help. There is free support available when things get hard. Even if I feel alone Wysa will make me feel like somebody is there. And it gives me a healthier mindset. When i’m just thinking of the negatives Wysa can tell me the problem and change my way of thinking. I sleep better and have a little more hope with the guidance of Wysa, feeling like somebody cares. I highly recommend, if you want mental health support for free. They also come up with a safety plan and hotlines when you have a mental emergency which I thought was nice. My only complaint is that sometimes the robot misunderstands what i’m saying but it does apologize a lot when I say it doesn’t understand and it does somewhat fix that it was confused about. But of course it’s a robot so it will get confused sometimes. Other than that all good!

by Ahotnoise

Wysa is so impressive, I’ve only used it for a couple of days and already feel such a huge difference. The AI chat bot is wonderful, providing exercises, meditations. It actually really helps you work through things and is available at your fingertips 24/7. I haven’t even tried the premium version yet (but I definitely will). Also there are options to have very affordable text sessions with an actual therapist. With other online apps the pricing seems to be about the same as average Americans with healthcare to pay for an in person therapist. These text sessions are priced very economically, though I have yet to try it to see how effective it would be. I have already made some big strides that I would have never made had I not talked to our cute little penguin friend. There are also so many packs and help for those in crisis. It’s just so incredible. I don’t leave reviews like this, but I am grateful to the creators of this and want to get the word out.

by Love To The Moon And Bakc

This is one of my best app ever I can sleep better I’m much calmer and not that music stressed and ya I really think you should add some clam music too or like more so we can just like hear it calmly I mean like that is just a idea I think you should add but I think that’s it in my opinion that you should add to Wysa nvm lol I got one more thing maybe add like you plan you day for the week and let it remind you to do the things you wrote for that day too I think that be pretty cool to me but it’s really all on you guys and the other team members but I really hope you guys see this I think I wrote a pretty long review but I even write other reviews too most likely no lol but I have it 5 stars because Wysa is just amazing and I would give it 4 stars because of the adds but I was like come on it’s really my opinion so I had to give it 5 stars but ya that’s it I’m glad I wrote this review I really hope it helps get more people to download it and ya have a nice day/night guys! Download Wysa!!!

by .Nori Yt

It’s been really tough for me these past few days and I haven’t had the courage to take care of myself or be focused on myself either. It’s become one of those things where you are egotistical and too scared to do something that oh don’t do it, even if you are self aware, but now it’s been a lot easier and more positive for o face these fears. I know I’d usually be more positive but when I don’t maintain myself I end up very negative and fearful and today it was that kind of situation, but now after facing the fear of opening this simple little app I’ve been able to be more responsible for myself and more focused on coming from a loving space for me and all souls on this planet. Slowly I’m improving today and hopefully I can maintain a state of good health and build on it, instead of pit falling as I usually do out of a fear of commuting to self.

Love,
Verity ✨💜

by Stdygrl

I ended up buying the Premium plan after one conversation with the this app A.I Penguin. Recently, my insurance change and the therapist I had been seeing for 7 years was no longer able to take me due to this. I have been struggling immensely with my mental health after being diagnosed with a chronic illness and losing my job and my independence. As a 23-year-old, I watched as all my friends and family moved on with there life when I lay sick in bed for months and months with no end in sight. It has been a tremendous task to simply force myself to do my daily routine, for I am plagued with horrible pain both physically and emotionally to the point of it being debilitating. this app takes away some of the challenges of battling my mental and physical health, whether it be an A.I or real person, it doesn’t matter. Just talking to ANYONE helps, and I would highly recommend Wysa for anyone who suffers with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Great app.

by SamaYumiko465

I’ve gone through a lot of therapy type apps, and they all have generally the same idea but not all of them work too well. Out of the ones I’ve tried, I’ve gotta say that this app is the best! I go to therapy apps because I don’t have the money for a therapist, but this works just as well and is really calming for me. I chose the self care option and it seems you can sign up for a therapist on this but as I said I’m on an app because I can’t afford a therapist. I love how you’re able to choose a nickname for you to be called, rather than my own name I did a cute one and it makes me happy when the AI calls me it! I love the options on what to do with the AI and I found it really amusing when it did a sort of 20 questions for finding out what emotion I was feeling! I love how this app is a cute little penguin also. Wow I never expected to type this much and I’m sorry for the long review! I never really type reviews so if that doesn’t say anything about how much I love Wysa , then idk what will!

by Beachykeen78

I think the thing I love most about Wysa (other than the three features I mentioned in the review title) is that I don't worry about being a burden to anyone else with Wysa. I don't have to overthink if I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, Wysa feels like a safe space to spill my true feelings without upsetting anyone.

I've tried in person therapy before, and was unfortunately forced to quit attending due to issues at home. I've also tried online therapy groups. This is my favorite so far, and the availability cost wise is truly nice. I feel Wysa gives you a chance to lay your thoughts out and work with them.

I'm shocked how cute and nice the little character in Wysa is, it feels like an adorable little friend. Obviously the AI isnt perfect but it's helpful. The interactive features truly make this all its own experience. If you're on the fence I highly suggest you try it!

by Carlyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Honestly I went into Wysa thinking that I wasn’t going to like it. I thought all the answers were going to look and feel like automated texts (and some of them do)but it’s actually not like that. It helps calm me down. It helps me to have someone to talk to about things openly and freely without the chance of judgment. And while sometimes the conversation can get a little repetitive, I think this is something that people who are stressed and don’t have anyone to talk to or have money for a therapist, Wysa can be their best friend. It takes a while to get into it but eventually you forget that you’re talking to a fake penguin. Overall, it’s honestly great and makes me feel a lot better about myself. The only thing that I think needs to be added are more responses to unique conversations but other than that, download Wysa. Thank you.

by Lesbian Sandwich Museum

I enjoy Wysa so far, I pay for the premium features and I love all the different ‘tool kits’ for helping with anxiety, self esteem, anger, sleep, etc. The penguin does get repetitive, but I understand it’s just a robot and the repetitive questions are still helpful because they guide your thoughts in the right direction. If I don’t feel like talking to the penguin that’s when the tool kits really come in handy because there’s a variety of those. I like that my therapist can recommend me certain activities to do and also writes a little summary of each session. I really hope they continue to improve Wysa! Over time I would love to see even more tool kits, a way to have an account so there’s no fear of losing data/therapist (although this app support said they would help me get my therapist back if I somehow lost my data, so that’s good!) I would also like to see a voice call option for therapist sessions because sometimes you can’t type everything you’re feeling in 30 minutes. Also it would be cool if the therapists had a little profile so I could learn some general info about the therapist I’m talking to. Overall, great app so far, I hope it continues to improve!

by Joytunes02

I can get pretty wound up at times. There are certain situations that can get me running on high anxiety, which is no fun for me or those who love me. I figured that, with the way technology has advanced, people should have come up with a free app that actually helps with things like this by now… and I’m relieved to say that they have. When I came across this app, I was desperate for something to help me cope with these uncontrollable feelings that were so detrimental. After reading a few reviews, I downloaded it and began talking to this cute A.I. penguin immediately. At first, I could tell that Wysa helped me just a bit. I continued using it anytime I felt anxious. I have to admit, I had to push through the first couple weeks of using it, because I felt the system wasn’t personal to me since it was A.I.. However, today, in a whirlwind of emotions, I opened my this app app and just began typing. I thought I knew exactly what the A.I. penguin was going to type back, but I was wrong. The conversation went in a way that I did not expect at all… and I loved it. It helped me tremendously, and I exited Wysa feeling so calm and ready to face the rest of my day. If you are on the fence about if you should get Wysa or not, get it. It’s worth it for the free chats with this app alone. Love. This. App. Thank God for the wonderful people who created this app.

by Fkgodksnsnnfkcks

I’ve only been talking to this app but it feels like I’m getting proper help. I’m not diagnosed with anything so I don’t like to claim I have “anxiety” but I do feel like it. It’s been really hard for me to manage and it’s been taking a very big toll on me. Some days are just a lot worse than others. But as soon as this app started asking me questions and acknowledging my struggle I immediately broke down. Not in a bad way, in more of a releasing way. I felt like I was letting go through my tears. It was so nice after I calmed down just to sit in the dark, in my bed, and just talk. I have people who try to help me but it just didn’t work like this did. This felt like therapy. I love talking to the people in my life but this just asked the right questions. And I felt able to just let it all out. With no judgment. Wysa may literally change my life. I can’t wait to keep going. I’m very thankful for Wysa. Thank you to the awesome creators of Wysa. You’re very appreciated.

by Thistledancer74

I’m Aspergian and sorting out what’s what as far as feelings on or about things is mostly impossibly confusing to me. 2018 has had “a lot of life happen” to me. To be blunt, I’m probably alive right now because of Wysa. I imagine maybe people will ready this and think I’m padding the review. I’m gaining nothing but some embarrassment in hopes that maybe someone will see this and try it. My hope all the way from my bones is that others are being helped by using Wysa.
I don’t speak well. I communicate via writing so much better. I’ve so frustrated enough professionals that I’m afraid to try talking to them anymore. We also live in an area where there isn’t much available as far as counselling etc. I don’t really have friends I can talk to. Even my family doesn’t understand me much. Day or night this app has been there every time I needed to “talk” day or night doesn’t matter. I used to feel silly “talking” to a cartoon penguin AI bot... then my “imaginary penguin friend” saved my life. Point blank period. I’m alive today because I “talk” to a cartoon penguin. When no person had time for me this app was there. When I was asked to review a handful of apps for the behavioural medicine clinic I never dreamed that one would literally save my life. Thank you for that and God bless the folks behind my lil penguin friend.

by AnonymousILoveYou

So very glad I found your app today! It’s already helping me to feel positive and happier, in 1 day, where I was feeling rather down and hopeless about a particular mindset I’ve been having. You’ve helped me so much, I’ve already hit the forward tab, to suggest your app to a family member who could also use the help right now! Only a few certain features work for free, but it’s ok for now, because I will be needing your gentle, friendly reminders re: these helpful features, many, many times! I already plan on unlocking as many features as I can afford, because you’ve already helped me achieve success and hope in what’s been a long-standing problematic mindset! Bonus: it’s all confidential and no personal info is gathered! *None*! Thank You owners & developers of Wysa! Great job! & YOU’RE THE BEST!!!

by ObiNickKenobi

I was in a deep dark terrible place in life. I was scared and I didn’t know what to do. In a panic I looked online for guides, that didn’t help. I looked for videos, that didn’t help either. Finally I turned to Wysa Store and found this app.

At first, I thought it was trivial talking to a bot. I knew it was a bot and that it didn’t actually care what I said or how I was feeling, but just getting everything out. Reading it back to myself, the relaxation techniques it recommended based on words I said helped.

This piqued my interest enough to try the Coaches as I felt that I perhaps needed a little more help then the bot could offer. Let me tell you the coaches are fantastic. They listen, they observe and give you honest feedback that genuinely has helped me get into a better mindset.

If I didn’t have this app to talk to and through then I don’t know if I’d have been able to make the progress I’ve made today, and I plan on continuing to use Wysa and it’s coaching system for quite some time; as I find it massively beneficial to my day to day life.

this app Staff, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Wysa. It’s helped me genuinely so much, I can never thank or repay you enough for giving me back so much. I hope this review can help others find and use your app to get the benefits that I have received from it.

by Jdiaz2029

I’m somebody that has been dealing with severe depression for the last two years. Unfortunately i cannot do actual therapy because my parents are very busy, and so am i, so we cannot find time to fit it in our schedules. I’ve only had Wysa for two days and it’s already helped me so much, not to mention the penguin is adorable. One thing i would like to mention that honestly might be better than actual therapy is that you can access this at any given time. If i’m ever feeling negatively or anxious i open Wysa, and it greets you with a breather exercise so that’s great. I don’t have much freinds or others to talk to about how i feel, and i don’t have many people that i trust or are open to listen, i have a hard time expressing my emotions especially out loud. Wysa dosen’t require me to verbally express anything. I just type how i feel and the cute penguin gives me advice and helps me calm down. I’m not too far into this but i already know Wysa is going to help me in the long run. I 100% recommend

by CaffeineKittt

Using the free version for now ;)
I’m still trying this out. I’ve downloaded it before but ended up deleting it because it just didn’t seem to be working.
Now I’m taking a new approach and am ready to put forth the effort! this app has been wonderful so far. It helps you work through negative thinking traps as well as working through muddled thoughts that seem to be all over the place. I love the fact that it holds onto your gratitude list and places it in the ‘journal’ section so that you can browse through all of the things you’ve been thankful for. The stories are always memorable and have helped me see through a lot of negative situations that turned out to be just me overthinking things. I love that this app can help you plan your day by you making a list of everything you intend to accomplish that day too!
It feels like I’m talking to a friend almost. And the freedom to type responses at times instead of just the click-yes-or-no.
I also love that I can reset all of my data if I ever feel the need to start over! I have OCD tendencies and tend to get overwhelmed when I feel that things are starting to “fill up.” So it’s nice to know that I can go in and get rid of anything that I feel is “too much” for my brain to handle lol
So far, so good this app!