Digital Self-Therapy: the MGEN x MindDay Study Confirms Its Effectiveness

+38% in wellbeing, −31% in anxiety, −25% in depressive symptoms. These aren't marketing promises — they're measured results, recorded over six months, from 1,147 MGEN members who used the MindDay app. A study that provides concrete evidence of the effectiveness of CBT-based digital self-therapy.

🔬 A rigorous study involving 1,147 real users

In 2025, MGEN, France's leading mutual insurance provider for public sector employees, gave 1,147 of its members free access to MindDay. The goal: to measure, over six months, the real-world impact of regular app use.

The study drew on four internationally recognised clinical scales:

• WHO-5: general wellbeing assessment (score from 0 to 100)
• GAD-7: anxiety disorder measure (from 0 to 21)
• PHQ-9: depressive symptom assessment (from 0 to 27)
• MBI: burnout risk indicator

Participants (85% women, average age 50, 62% teachers) completed questionnaires at the start and end of the period. Notably, 57% already presented with severe levels of anxiety or depression when they entered the study.

📊 Clinically significant results

After six months, the numbers speak for themselves:

ScaleResultGeneral wellbeing (WHO-5)+38%Anxiety (GAD-7)−31%Depressive symptoms (PHQ-9)−25%Burnout risk (MBI)−17%

These results are even more striking among regular users. Among those who entered with severe anxiety (GAD-7 > 10), the number dropped from 102 to 42 people by the end of the six months. The same trend held for severe depression: from 97 down to 50 people.

In other words, more than half of participants who started out in a severe state were able to move out of it through consistent use of the app.

📱 What users actually practised

Participant engagement tells its own story: on average, one hour of practice per week, spread across five 12-minute sessions. A short, manageable format — easy to fit into a busy day.

The most-followed programs reflect very real needs:

• Calming My Anxiety – 30-day program
• Taking Care of Myself – 30-day program
• Rediscovering the Joy of Teaching, Without Burning Out – a 30-day program co-designed with MGEN specifically for teachers

The most-accessed sessions focused on managing intrusive thoughts, accepting difficult emotions, reducing everyday stress, universal themes that often go unaddressed simply because the right tools aren't within reach.

At the end of the study, 48% of participants reported an improvement in their workplace wellbeing — a tangible outcome that goes beyond clinical scores. At a time when mental health conditions have become the leading cause of sick leave in France, that's far from a minor detail.

💡 CBT on your smartphone: how does it work?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapies are among the most scientifically validated psychotherapeutic approaches available. The core idea: identify the negative automatic thoughts and behavioural patterns that keep distress alive, then gradually shift them through practical exercises.

In a clinical setting, CBT unfolds across multiple sessions with a therapist. Translated into a mobile app, it takes the form of guided programs, interactive exercises, and short sessions — available anytime, no appointment needed.

This format offers some distinct advantages:

• 🕐 Flexibility: you progress at your own pace, whenever you need it
• 🚪 Accessibility: no waiting lists, no commuting, and a much lower financial barrier
• 🔁 Consistency: short but frequent sessions that are far easier to maintain than a monthly appointment

Digital self-therapy isn't a replacement for professional support — especially for severe conditions. It fits into a prevention-first logic: stepping in early, regularly, before difficulties have a chance to deepen. The MGEN × MindDay study shows that with the right tool — scientifically grounded and thoughtfully designed — the effects are measurable, even among people who are already struggling.

🤔 What to do at the first signs of distress?

If you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion, there are several options available to you:

• Explore CBT-based digital prevention tools, such as MindDay, as a first source of support.
• Speak with a doctor or psychologist for personalised care and an initial assessment.
• Check your coverage with your health insurance provider: some reimbursements or free access options may already be available to you!

The most important thing is not to wait for symptoms to get worse before taking action!

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