distrACT
distrACT is a free, text-based health information app for individuals managing self-harm or suicidal ideation, available on iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the cognitive friction of searching for verified, clinical-grade self-help resources during moments of acute emotional distress.
For Individuals experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and their support networks.
What does it look like?
Key features
Curated text-based guides for identifying needs and managing self-harm urges.
Multimedia collection including art, books, and music for emotional regulation.
Quality mark for reliable health information that builds institutional trust.
How much does it cost?
The app operates as a free public health resource with no monetization or paid tiers.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentnew contentopaqueShow more...
The app maintains a maintenance-level cadence, shipping approximately 0.03 releases per week based on the last 42 days of activity. Development is currently limited to minor content updates rather than significant feature expansion or live-service events. The release history shows a stable but infrequent update pattern, with no major functional changes identified in the recent window. The publisher relies on generic release notes, providing little transparency into the specific nature of these content drops.
Who built it?
Expert Self Care
6 apps tracked · Health & Fitness
HeliOffshore Wellbeing
Fit Farmers
Student Health App
Student Health and Wellbeing
International Student App (UK)User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans mixed. Users appreciate bite-sized information resources provide helpful guidance for users seeking immediate support during difficult emotional moments and practical wound care instructions offer tangible assistance for users managing physical symptoms of self-harm.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Bite-sized information resources provide helpful guidance for users seeking immediate support during difficult emotional moments
- Practical wound care instructions offer tangible assistance for users managing physical symptoms of self-harm
- Broken external links to support services prevent users from accessing critical help when they need it
18 of 18 recent reviews analyzed · moderate confidence · Mixed overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for distrACT
How's the Health & Fitness market?
distrACT occupies a niche, non-commercial position in the Health & Fitness category, anchored by its clinical co-creation and PIF Tick certification. The lack of monetization reflects its status as a public health resource rather than a commercial competitor.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for distrACT
Where is it heading?
The app's maintenance-only cadence leaves it vulnerable to technical regressions that directly compromise its core mission. Without a shift to active maintenance, the accumulation of broken links and UI blockers will continue to degrade the user experience and trust.
- Broken crisis support links prevent access to help, which erodes the app's primary value as a safety-critical health tool.
- UI layout regressions on specific devices block the onboarding funnel, preventing new users from accessing the app's resources.
The SWOT
- PIF Tick certification establishes institutional trust
- Co-creation with UK health professionals ensures content accuracy
- Adding personal journaling would address top user request
Next best moves
Audit and repair all external crisis support links because they are non-functional and block critical help -> restore user trust
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's lack of monetization is its primary barrier to growth…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The app's competitive positioning shifted toward a non-commercial public health identity, while technical regressions regarding onboarding and crisis support links remain unaddressed.
Bottom line
Fixing the broken crisis support links and the account deletion flow is the priority, as these failures directly undermine the core value proposition of a safety-critical health tool.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeSources
- [1] App Store listing
Report last updated