Helpful Apps for Supporting Someone Thinking about Suicide
Research shows feeling connected can decrease suicide risk. As a suicide caregiver, apps can be a helpful tool to stay in touch with those you are supporting. Below are some recommendations (all of them are free!) and ways you might utilize them.
Suicide Safety Plan - In our Support Their Safety module, we discuss what a safety plan is. This app allows the person you are caring for to load and update their safety plan on their phone or tablet. Additionally, they can add in contacts to ensure all their supporters’ phone numbers are in one place, making it easier to access in a crisis situation. The app also helps them to explore local urgent care facilities and emergency rooms using Google Maps in case that is needed. Depending on your relationship and what feels comfortable, this could be a productive activity to complete together so you can learn more about how to support their safety.
notOK app - Described as a digital panic button, the notOK app makes it easier to reach out for help. The person using the app can enter up to five trusted contacts to be part of their support team. Caregivers can decline the invitation if they are unable to help at the time. All of the selected contacts are notified with one tap when the person requests support. If no one is available immediately, there are options for the person to be connected to a help line. All trusted contacts get notified once someone else responds to help or if the person states that they are feeling better. Setting this app together can help you identify others they trust so you know who to connect with if you ever need to transfer caregiving responsibilities.
Moodwave - This daily mood tracker and journaling app allows you to select your mood, reflect using journal prompts, and share your entries. You can connect with each other over the app and check on their latest updates. This can help you identify times when they may be in need of additional support. This can also be a good way for you to monitor your own wellness and stressors on this caregiving journey.
Keep in mind that everyone has different preferences when it comes to staying in touch - how often, via what channels, in what capacity, etc. These apps can be especially helpful if you care for someone who prefers digital communications or when you are not in the same place. Introduce these tools to your loved one as you see fit and explore ways you may be able to use them together.
Suicide Is Different offers free tools and customized supports to help those caring for people considering suicide to learn about suicide and build a self-care system for sustainable caregiving. Follow us on Twitter (@SuicideIsDiff) and Instagram (@SuicideIsDifferentOrg) for routine reminders and tips!
SID is not a substitute for clinical treatment or crisis intervention
If you are looking for emergency support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Suicide Is Different's content and products were developed by subject matter experts for educational purposes only and intended for use by adults. We encourage you to review our Resource Directory if you are looking for clinical services or supports outside of the US.
