NOTE: Let’s work together to create a longer list of resources! Add yours in the comments below.
Dear friends,
In the past few weeks two beloved celebrities chose to end their lives. They seemed to have it all: wealth, fame, wonderful families. Why in the world would they have wanted to end their lives? And, more importantly, why didn’t anyone KNOW? Why didn’t anyone HELP?
After Anthony Bordain’s death, I asked my community if it was appropriate to do a newsletter about apps for suicide prevention and mental health. The response (my most commented on post ever) was and overwhelming YES!
So on Thursday I thought I could quickly compose a list of apps and resources and get the newsletter out on Friday as usual.
The Bad News: There’s Not Really an App for That
In 2016, researchers analyzed 123 apps that referred to suicide. About 50 of those included at least one suicide prevention feature. But therein lies the problem… one prevention technique doesn’t suffice. “Many suicide prevention apps are available, some of which provide elements of best practice, but none that provide comprehensive evidence-based support,” the paper states.
My “No Kidding” Statement: Suicide Is Complicated
Take a look at the risk factors for suicide from #BeThe1To, a site from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for resources to prevent suicide. There’s a bunch of them. It’s not always about a lack of a community, or mental health issues or any one of the factors that might come to mind. So apps that address any one of these factors may not be enough.
That Being Said, Some Technological Resources Exist
I’d love to be able to offer you a list of perfect apps that you can simply install and be healthy. But as the researchers found, one tool doesn’t do everything. So here are some of the best resources I’ve found. Please add more in the comments.
Resources to Help Yourself
- Call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
This links to centers around the U.S. I used to work on a crisis line — the 12am-3am shift in Dallas. Volunteers are trained to help. Really. NOTE: You can also call if you’re worried about someone else. - Chat: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Same group, different approach. There may be a wait. - Text: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 text chat when you need it. - Specific Resources for Different Groups
If you’re a veteran, a disaster survivor, a kid or someone who has suffered a loss, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has specific help for you and other communities who may need special resources.
Resources to Help Someone Else
- #BeThe1To
Lots of resources here to educate yourself about how to help. - Report on Social Media
If you see warning signs of self-harm on social media posts, many platforms have a way to report it to get help for the person. I didn’t even know these existed.
- Facebook
Oh, and did you know that Facebook is using AI to identify self-harming behavior automatically? Here are the nerdy details about how it works. - Instagram: “To report threats of suicide or self-harm on Instagram: Tap ‘…’ below the post, Tap Report Inappropriate, Select This Photo Puts People At Risk > Self-Harm.”
- Snapchat
- YouTube: “To report threats of suicide or self-harm, click “More.” Highlight and click “Report” in the drop-down menu. Click “Harmful dangerous acts,” then “Suicide or self-injury.” YouTube will review the video and may send a message to the uploader with the Lifeline number.”
A Handful of Apps
The 2016 study liked the resources in apps that focused on safety plans. You download the app when you know you’re struggling, and it helps you assess and organize your coping strategies. The kicker, though, is that you have to be in a place where you’re willing to take steps.
- MoodTools Apps
MoodTools has a number of apps that focus on helping people lift themselves out of a downward spiral: Suicide Safety Plan, Depression Test and Mood Diary . The researchers called out MoodTools as a resource with the most features. - TalkLife
This app is a community for young people who need help. The challenge is that kids have to be over 16 to use it. - Sanvello
Sanvello (formerly Pacifica) helps you manage stress, anxiety and depression with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, mindfulness, meditation, relaxation and mood tracking.
Your Recommendations
As usual, you guys have some great resources. PLEASE ADD TO THE LIST IN THE COMMENTS.
- Stop, Breathe & Think
Melissa Heeke from our community recommends this app. “The Stop, Breathe & Think app for their ‘Slay Your Stress’ and ‘Strengthen Resilience’ meditations rock for reducing anxiety.” - BetterHelp
Nicole Guyette recommends BetterHelp for affordable and convenient on-demand counseling via the web and apps. - American Association of Suicidology
Rhianna Brand likes the resources from this organization. - Signs and Risk Factor Lists
Nabil El-Ghoroury recommended resources at save.org and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. - KnKt’d
Greg Melia’s team helped put together this app for Mental Health America. Watch the overview.
Thanks for helping get this subject into the public conversation
http://person.clinic includes depression self-diagnosis and peer support. it is FREE to all. They offer complementary applications for smoking cessation and pain reporting for cancer patients. You will find it in the AppStore and Android Market: search PerSoNClinic.
If any of these can save just one life, then it is far better to have listed them than to be afraid. Thank you, BFF for your courage and compassion!
on April 3, 2015(good Friday) my Dad died my suicide at age 73… I have never known anyone in my circle to die this way. I am in the funeral business and am aware that older men often do this. Happening to me and my family was an absolute shock as their were No warning signs (then that is). I reached out to a lady in our community who lost her only child, a son Cole when he died by suidide Sept. of 2010 at age 13. Together we reformed a once dormant support called HALOS, healing after loved ones suicide. This August will make 3 yrs and the group is thriving with a Core group of 8, and making such an impact on Southwest Louisiana. I would love to know and even start an app open to “suicide survivors”. We are determined to “crush” some of the worst of stigmas pertaining to the ones we love who “die by suicide”. We would like to help start a HALOS support group all over the country and world….Helping others Helps us….:)
Our Girl Scout troop created a suicide prevention blog – http://spcsite.blogspot.com/
A colleague shared this link
https://itgetsbetter.org/share-your-story/
http://www.faceitfoundation focuses on mental health for men. Their services are free of charge. Wonderful organization.
These are all great resources but we have to remember, if the person suffering never opens the app (calls the hotline/reaches out), it’s up to the people around them to engage them and report. Many people suffering won’t ask for help, or even take it when it’s offered so it’s up to all of us to learn and recognize the signs so we can take action. Thanks Beth for addressing, and identifying gaps, in this sensitive issue.