You have PTSD Coach, Headspace, Rootd, Wysa, Calm all downloaded.
But when you live with Complex PTSD, you need more than promises. You need to know:
- Will this work during a flashback, or just when I am already calm?
- Does it understand trauma, or will it give me generic "think positive" advice?
- Is my data safe, or am I the product?
- Can I afford this long-term, or will I lose access mid-crisis?
This is an honest comparison of Unpanic against other mental health apps, written for people with C-PTSD who need real tools, not marketing hype.
This is information and support only. It is not medical or psychiatric advice.
First: What Unpanic actually is (and is not)
Unpanic is a mobile app designed specifically for people with Complex PTSD who need immediate grounding during triggers, flashbacks, panic attacks, and dissociation.
What it does:
- Box breathing: 4-4-6 guided breathing to regulate your nervous system
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Sensory technique with step-by-step prompts
- Crisis support access: One-tap links to hotlines and resources
- Daily mood check-ins: Gentle reminders to track how you are doing
- Premium features (optional): AI chatbot "Mira," sound therapy, analytics dashboard
What it is NOT:
- Not a replacement for therapy
- Not a social network (no forced community features)
- Not a meditation app for general stress
- Not a journaling platform that requires emotional labor during crisis
Who built it:
Unpanic was built by someone with lived C-PTSD experience who was frustrated by apps that did not work during actual triggers. It launched in 2024 and is actively maintained.
Unpanic vs Rootd: Panic attacks vs trauma flashbacks
Rootd: What it is
Rootd is a panic attack app built around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It has a "panic button," breathing exercises, visualizations, and a journal.
Key differences:
| Feature | Unpanic | Rootd |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | C-PTSD flashbacks, dissociation, triggers | Panic attacks, general anxiety |
| Grounding approach | Trauma-specific (5-4-3-2-1, orienting) | CBT-based anxiety management |
| Crisis support | Direct hotline access | Less emphasis on crisis escalation |
| Privacy | Anonymous sign-in, local encryption | Standard privacy |
| Cost | Free core tools + $19.99/mo premium | $4.99 one-time purchase |
When to choose Rootd:
- Your primary issue is panic attacks without trauma history
- CBT approaches work well for you
- You want a low one-time cost
When to choose Unpanic:
- You have Complex PTSD or trauma history
- You experience flashbacks and dissociation, not just panic
- You need trauma-informed language and design
- You want privacy-first features
Unpanic vs Wysa: AI chatbot support vs immediate grounding
Wysa: What it is
Wysa is an AI-powered mental health chatbot with CBT/DBT exercises, mood tracking, and meditation. It is designed for daily emotional support.
Key differences:
| Feature | Unpanic | Wysa |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interaction | Guided tools (breathing, grounding) | AI chatbot conversations |
| During acute crisis | Direct to grounding exercises | Chatbot may feel slow/robotic |
| Trauma focus | C-PTSD specific | General mental health |
| Daily support | Mood check-ins, optional AI chat (premium) | Strong daily chatbot engagement |
| Cost | Free core + $19.99/mo premium | Free basic + premium tiers |
When to choose Wysa:
- You want daily conversational support
- You prefer talking through feelings vs guided exercises
- You are not primarily dealing with acute flashbacks
When to choose Unpanic:
- You need tools that work during flashbacks and dissociation
- You find chatbots frustrating when you are activated
- You want immediate grounding, not conversation
Unpanic vs PTSD Coach: Crisis tools vs education and tracking
PTSD Coach: What it is
PTSD Coach is developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is a comprehensive PTSD education, assessment, and tracking tool. It is completely free with no ads.
Key differences:
| Feature | Unpanic | PTSD Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Immediate crisis intervention | Education, tracking, self-assessment |
| Target user | C-PTSD, especially civilians | PTSD, especially veterans |
| Interface | Calming colors, trauma-informed design | Clinical, government-style |
| Acute support | Strong (box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1) | Moderate (has tools but less emphasized) |
| Cost | Free core + $19.99/mo premium | Completely free, no premium |
When to choose PTSD Coach:
- You are a veteran or prefer VA-developed resources
- You want comprehensive symptom tracking and education
- You need a 100% free option with no premium upsells
When to choose Unpanic:
- You need immediate grounding tools more than education
- You prefer a modern, calming interface
- You have Complex PTSD (not just PTSD)
- You want optional premium features (AI chat, sound therapy)
Can you use both?
Yes! Many people use PTSD Coach for long-term tracking and education, and Unpanic for immediate crisis support. They complement each other well.
Unpanic vs Calm/Headspace: Crisis tools vs wellness apps
Calm and Headspace: What they are
Calm and Headspace are meditation and sleep apps designed for general wellness, stress reduction, and mindfulness. They are not trauma-specific.
Key differences:
| Feature | Unpanic | Calm/Headspace |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | C-PTSD, trauma, flashbacks | General stress, sleep, meditation |
| During flashback | Direct grounding tools | Not designed for acute crisis |
| Trauma-informed | Yes | No |
| When to use | During triggers or daily check-ins | When already calm, for sleep |
| Cost | Free core + $19.99/mo premium | $12.99-$14.99/mo |
When to choose Calm or Headspace:
- You are already stable and want general wellness support
- You need sleep stories or ambient sounds
- You do not have trauma history or active flashbacks
When to choose Unpanic:
- You have C-PTSD or trauma history
- You need tools that work during active distress
- Meditation apps feel triggering or unhelpful
Important note:
Many trauma survivors find standard meditation apps triggering because they ask you to "sit with your thoughts" or "observe without judgment"—which can be dangerous during flashbacks. Unpanic is designed specifically to avoid this.
What about free alternatives?
Completely free options:
- PTSD Coach — VA-developed, comprehensive, 100% free
- Calm Harm — Specifically for self-harm urges, 100% free
- Unpanic's free tier — Box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1, crisis links (forever free)
Why Unpanic has premium features:
Unpanic's core grounding tools are free forever because safety should not be behind a paywall. Premium features (AI chatbot, sound therapy, analytics) help fund ongoing development and server costs, but you do not need them to use the app during a crisis.
Privacy comparison: Which app is safest?
| App | Anonymous Use | Data Encryption | Sells Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unpanic | ✓ Yes | ✓ Local encryption | ✗ No |
| PTSD Coach | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No (government app) |
| Rootd | ⚠ Requires email | ✓ Yes | ✗ No (per privacy policy) |
| Wysa | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Shares anonymized data |
| Calm | ✗ Requires account | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Shares data with partners |
| Headspace | ✗ Requires account | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Uses data for marketing |
Key takeaway: If privacy is critical (especially for trauma survivors), prioritize apps that allow anonymous use and do not sell data.
How to decide: Questions to ask yourself
1. What do I need most right now?
- Immediate crisis support: Unpanic, PTSD Coach
- Daily emotional support: Wysa, Unpanic (premium)
- Sleep and relaxation: Calm, Headspace (when stable)
- Panic attacks (non-trauma): Rootd
2. Do I have C-PTSD or trauma history?
- Yes: Unpanic, PTSD Coach
- No (generalized anxiety): Rootd, Wysa, Calm, Headspace
3. What can I afford long-term?
- $0: PTSD Coach, Calm Harm, Unpanic free tier
- One-time payment: Rootd ($4.99)
- Monthly subscription: Unpanic ($19.99), Calm ($14.99), Headspace ($12.99)
4. How important is privacy?
- Critical: Unpanic, PTSD Coach (both allow anonymous use)
- Moderate: Rootd, Wysa
- Less important: Calm, Headspace
Can you use multiple apps?
Yes! Many people build a layered system:
- Crisis layer: Unpanic (free tier) for immediate grounding
- Tracking layer: PTSD Coach (free) for symptom monitoring
- Daily support layer: Wysa (free tier) for emotional check-ins
- Sleep layer: Calm or Headspace (when stable)
Start with one or two, not five. Too many apps can become overwhelming.
FAQ: Choosing Between C-PTSD Apps
Is Unpanic better than Rootd for trauma?
Unpanic is specifically designed for C-PTSD and trauma, while Rootd focuses on general panic attacks. If you have trauma history, dissociation, or flashbacks, Unpanic's trauma-informed approach is likely a better fit.
Why does Unpanic cost more than Rootd?
Unpanic's core tools are free (same as Rootd's cost). Premium features ($19.99/mo) include ongoing AI development, sound therapy, and analytics—which require server costs and maintenance. Rootd is a one-time purchase but has no ongoing development costs like AI.
Can I use Unpanic and PTSD Coach together?
Yes! Many people use PTSD Coach for education and tracking, and Unpanic for immediate crisis support. They complement each other well and are both affordable (PTSD Coach is free, Unpanic core is free).
Is Unpanic just a meditation app?
No. Unpanic is a grounding and crisis support app, not a meditation app. It does not ask you to "sit with your thoughts" or do long meditation sessions, which can be triggering for trauma survivors.
What if I cannot afford any premium features?
Unpanic's core grounding tools (box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1, crisis links) are free forever. PTSD Coach is completely free. Calm Harm is free. You can build a full support system without paying anything.
Try Unpanic the next time you feel triggered
Unpanic is a free app that helps you break free from C-PTSD triggers with guided breathing, grounding, and fast access to support through optional AI tools and analytics if you want them.