BeyondNow: How a digital app is transforming crisis support

Most people who think about or attempt suicide don’t actually want to die – they want their distress and emotional pain to stop. And at these moments, finding the help they so desperately need can feel impossible.

The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures reveal 3,027 Australians took their own lives in 2015 – that represents two and a half times the national road toll.

And for every person who dies by suicide, 20 more make an attempt.

That’s why beyondblue , Monash University and the Movember Foundation teamed-up to develop the BeyondNow app and website, ensuring help is at the fingertips of people who are at risk of suicide.

Most suicidal crises do not play-out in front of a mental health professional, so it’s vital that support is available anywhere, anytime.

The free app helps people create a structured plan – ideally with support from a health professional or someone they trust such as a family member or friend – that they can work through when experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or crisis. When needed, the plan can be easily accessed via a smartphone, tablet or desktop.

Dr Glenn Melvin, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist at Monash University Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology, was involved in the app’s development.

“Many people who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviours aren’t engaging with mental health services. We believe the app might encourage them to start thinking about ways to access help if they experience a suicidal crisis,” he said.

Dr Melvin believes the BeyondNow app is effective because all the vital information is in one place. And it has been downloaded more than 18,000 times since it was added to Apple and Google app stores in May, 2016.

“We consulted with people with lived experience of suicide and clinicians prior to developing the app,” he explained.

“People wanted a personalised plan, they wanted it to be as simple as possible. We were told that when someone’s reaching crisis point, it’s harder to think straight, so having an app that helps people access their coping strategies, reminds them of their reasons to live and connects them with crisis services is important.

“We also learned that people wanted to connect with others - including family and friends – something we’ve incorporated in to the app,” Dr Melvin said. This shows the strong link between the R U OK? message and BeyondNow.

And simply talking about the app starts vital conversations on the difficult topic of suicide.

“The app also allows you to share the plan with others which sends a message that the plan, and supporting someone in crisis, is something people need to be involved in.”

Dr Melvin encourages anyone involved in someone’s safety plan to be thoroughly up to speed on its details.

“If you are involved in a person’s plan, you need to have a conversation with them around how you might be able to help. Make sure you understand what’s involved and if you’re a contact person, what the next steps are and the services that might need to be contacted during a crisis,” he said.

Suicidal thoughts can come and go so it’s about being there with people and helping them through tough times when the thoughts might be prominent and hard to handle.

“The feedback we’re getting is that friends and family can assist in different ways. Some people just like someone to have a chat with, shoot the breeze and watch some TV.

“Other people might be better suited to help in a crisis situation and assist you in accessing services in an emergency,” Dr Melvin said.

You can download the free BeyondNow app from Apple or Google Play. For more info about safety planning and BeyondNow, visit bb.org.au/1S12SXE

For tips and resources to help you start a conversation with someone you're worried about visit www.ruok.org.au/ask-a-mate

If you or a loved one need immediate support, you can contact Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14.