Welcome to this week’s Consulting the Machine!

We’re jumping into how AI can support mental health, offering tools to help manage stress, boost well-being, and provide support.

Whether you’re curious about AI or looking for new ways to care for yourself, this edition shows how AI makes mental health support more accessible and personal.

Let’s explore how technology is lending a helping hand!

Inside, we'll share:

Imagine feeling overwhelmed and having a friendly chatbot listen and guide you through calming exercises.

AI is stepping up to support mental health in exciting ways.

For example, apps like Woebot (Google Play | App Store) use AI to offer daily check-ins, mood tracking, and simple cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

A user named Sarah shared how Woebot helped her manage anxiety by suggesting breathing exercises and reframing negative thoughts during tough moments.

Unlike traditional therapy, AI tools are available 24/7, affordable, and private, making support accessible to more people.

They’re not replacements for professionals but act like a supportive friend, offering tips and encouragement.

From chatbots to mood-tracking apps, AI is helping people take small, meaningful steps toward better mental health every day.

Ready to try AI for mental health?

Let’s use Woebot, a free, beginner-friendly app. Download Woebot (available on iOS/Android) or visit woebothealth.com.

Sign up, and the chatbot will greet you. Follow these steps:

1) Answer Woebot’s daily check-in questions about your mood.

2) Try a guided exercise, like a short breathing activity or a gratitude prompt.

3) Spend 5 minutes chatting with Woebot about a recent stressor. It’ll suggest simple coping strategies.

No tech skills needed, just type as you would to a friend.

Reflect on how the interaction made you feel.

This small step can spark ideas for managing stress with AI’s help!

Looking to build a simple mental health routine?

Here are three beginner-friendly AI tools that make support easy and free to start.

1. Wysa (iOS/Android) is a chatbot that chats like a caring friend, offering quick tips for anxiety or stress based on proven techniques. Tip: Start with its daily mood check-in to notice your feelings.

2. Earkick (iOS/Android) tracks emotions and suggests short exercises, like breathing breaks, with no setup hassle. Tip: Use its voice mode for on-the-go calm.

3. Replika (iOS/Android) creates a personal AI companion for venting or positive chats, helping you feel less alone. Tip: Set a weekly “check-in” reminder to share one win or worry.

These apps keep things private and gentle, perfect for beginners.

We’d love to hear from you!

Have you used an AI tool like Woebot or Youper to support your mental health? What was it like?

Share your story (email us at [email protected]), and we might feature it next week!

Or, answer this: What’s one way you’d want AI to help with stress or well-being?

Your ideas inspire us!

Last month, reader Jamie shared how chatting with an AI companion helped them feel less alone during a tough week.

Let’s keep the conversation going!

Next week, we’re exploring AI for smart shopping… think finding deals, comparing products, and saving time with AI’s help!

From personalized recommendations to budget-friendly tips, we’ll show how AI makes shopping easier and more fun.

Got a shopping challenge you want AI to solve?

Drop us a note at [email protected].

Your input shapes our newsletter, so let us know what you’d love to learn about AI and shopping!

Feeling stressed?

Try this prompt with Grok: “I’m feeling overwhelmed today. Can you suggest three simple, personalized strategies to help me relax and refocus? Please include a short breathing exercise, a positive affirmation, and a quick activity to lift my mood.”

Copy this into Grok on grok.com or the Grok app, and let it guide you to a calmer moment!

Got suggestions or questions?

Let us know via email or tag us in a Facebook comment, or a thread on X.