I can distinctly remember the first time I sat in the emergency room for mental health reasons; distraught, emotional, scared…I was in crisis. It was hard enough being in this mental state without having to explain to every nurse or doctor what I had done, what had happened, and why I was there.
“I hurt myself”, “I suffer from depression”, “No, I did not try to commit suicide”, all these phrases are ones I had to say far too often.
Sitting in that brightly lit, busy yet somehow isolating, emergency room was an experience I wish I didn’t have to go through, one I hope others do not have to experience either. That’s my hope for the “Be Safe” application: that others can find the resources they need, get the help they need, while also avoiding the isolating experience of an emergency room.
On March 20th, 2014th, I was fortunate to attend the official launch of the “Be Safe” application. Myself, along with six other passionate youth that contributed to the project presented our work to professionals all across the job spectrum; from those in the education system to those in the health care system. Information was presented, spoken word was shared, and the application was officially launched. For me, the best part of the day was the outpour of support that was received about the project.
It’s my hope that the project has the ability to reach a range of youth in crisis and provide them with the resources they need to help them when they really need it. Maybe then, they don’t have to have the same experience with the emergency department as I did.
The Be Safe app helps youth and young adults access mental health and addiction support, create a digital safety plan, and find resources in times of crisis.