Ballast: Panic Attack Relief

Ballast talks you through a panic attack out loud.

Most anxiety apps ask you to read. During a panic attack, that is the problem. Tunnel vision, shaking hands and a racing mind make reading and tapping through screens genuinely hard, right when you need help most.

Ballast works differently. One tap on the SOS button and a calm recorded voice guides you through grounding and paced breathing. You do not have to read anything. You do not have to navigate anywhere. Put the phone down and listen.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAP SOS

A steady voice starts talking. It walks you through where you are, what you can feel around you, and how to let your breathing slow down. The screen shows a simple breathing animation you can follow if that helps, or ignore if you cannot focus on it. Nothing counts down. Nothing rushes you.

Works with no signal. The entire SOS flow is built into the app, so it works in airplane mode with no connection at all. Nothing to download first, nothing to wait for.

SOS is free, always. Unlimited SOS sessions on the free plan, forever. No counter, no limit and no paywall in front of a panic attack. That is a line we do not cross.

YOUR OWN GROUNDING KIT

Anchor Kit holds a photo that matters to you, of family, a pet, a safe place, alongside your own written grounding steps, ready offline whenever you need them.

WORK THROUGH A SPIRALING THOUGHT

Reframe walks you through a short, structured process: name the automatic thought, spot the pattern behind it, test it against the evidence, and land on something more balanced. No lectures, just a sequence you can follow.

TALK IT THROUGH WITH AI

Reflect is a private AI conversation for after the fact, when you want to think out loud about what happened and why. You choose whether to turn it on, and your past reflections stay on your device either way.

A CALM MINUTE, ON YOUR TERMS

Nine breathing patterns, from simple paced breathing to box breathing, so you can find the rhythm that actually works for you.

WRITE IT DOWN, PRIVATELY

Journal entries are end-to-end encrypted. The free-text you write is protected by a key that never leaves your device, not even we can read it. A recovery code lets you restore it if you lose your phone.

SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOUR HANDS

Distract offers a few calming games for the moments when you need your mind on something else entirely.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING

Short lessons on what a panic attack is, why it feels like dying and is not, the shape a panic attack actually takes, and what to do when there is no obvious trigger. Plain language, no jargon.

FALL ASLEEP EASIER

Soundscapes and narrated sleep stories for winding down at night, when anxiety is often at its worst.

NOTICE PATTERNS WITHOUT DIGGING FOR THEM

Log your mood in one tap and watch a simple weekly streak build. Over time, see the patterns in what you have logged.

ONE TAP TO SOMEONE WHO CARES

Add an emergency contact you can reach instantly, right from the home screen.

FREE FOREVER

Unlimited SOS rescues, three breathing patterns, seven days of journal history, three introductory lessons, and your emergency contact.

PREMIUM

The full lesson library, every breathing pattern, all soundscapes and sleep stories, unlimited journal history, Reflect, Reframe, Anchor Kit, and offline downloads.

BUILT FOR 3 AM

Dark mode is designed, not bolted on. Buttons are large enough for shaking hands. No alarming reds, no flashing, no pressure and no streak guilt for the days you do not open it.

We're actively improving Ballast. New features are on the way.

Ballast is a self-help and coping tool. It does not diagnose, treat or prevent any condition, and it is not a substitute for professional care. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services.