EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS
6
Apps Help People Of Color Find Therapists From Their Same Cultural Background he American Psychological Association reported that black people face inade-
AYANA
THE SAFE PLACE
zation reports that in 2015, 86 percent of
Former investment banker and fashion
Jasmin Pierre is an author and mental
psychologists in the U.S. were white, while
entrepreneur Eric Coly launched an app,
health advocate who became an activist
5 percent were Asian, another 5 percent
called Ayana, that connects people of
after surviving several suicide attempts.
According to Japan’s health ministry, the
were Hispanic, and just 4 percent were
color with therapists from their same
Through her own recovery, she focused on
number of people who died by suicide in
black. According to a report from the U.S.
cultural background.
spreading mental health awareness within
the country in 2019 totaled 19,959, falling
Department of Health and Human Ser-
“Take aside the stigmatization and the
under 20,000 for the first time since 1978,
vices, black adults over 18 years of age
lack of access to insurance and resourc-
when the country started gathering statis-
are 10 percent more likely to report hav-
es, [minorities] tend to only find people
When she was diagnosed with depres-
tics. The annual total fell by about 4 per-
ing serious psychological distress than
whom they aren’t able to relate to quite
sion, she thought, “Black people aren't
cent since 2018, marking 10 years straight
non-Hispanic whites. And black children
well,” Coly told Fast Company. “And they
supposed to get depressed. We have to be
of decline after the total reached nearly
ages 5 to 12 die by suicide at a rate twice
essentially give up. They buy into the no-
strong,” she told Good Morning America.
33,000 in 2009.
that of their white counterparts, according
tion that there’s no one out there who can
“I always grew up hearing that therapy
to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
help them.”
and mental health medication is just for
quate access to mental and
For the First Time In More Than 40 Years, Suicides In Japan Were Under 20,000
Japan has a relatively high suicide rate compared to other countries, and it’s been
behavioral health care. The same organi-
These apps hope to be a solution.
Ayana allows virtual therapy, con-
the black community and created an app called The Safe Place.
white people.”
a major national issue. In response, the gov-
necting people through text messaging,
Pierre told Good Morning America that
ernment launched a nine-step plan in 2007
phone calls, or video conferencing. Users
the black community faces generation-
to prevent suicides. They increased fund-
can log into the app anonymously, then
al trauma after experiencing tragedies:
ing to investigate the causes of suicide and
take a culturally sensitive question-
slavery, lynchings, police brutality, gun vi-
to improve treatment for those who have
naire before getting matched with a
olence, racial profiling, and more. She ex-
survived attempted suicides. In 2009, the
licensed professional.
plained that this trauma moves from one
Japanese government committed 15.8 bil-
"I strongly believe that if
generation to another and because these
lion yen towards suicide prevention strat-
finding a reflection of yourself
communities are so focused on surviv-
egies. The evidence clearly indicates these
in your counselor is what
al, the trauma is suppressed, and mental
measures — among other grassroots initi-
you demand to find a safe
atives around the country — are working to
space, you are entitled to
The app includes mental health statis-
create a society in which fewer people die
it," Coly writes on the
tics, self-care tips, self-assessment ques-
by suicide.
company website.
health is an afterthought.
tionnaires, and more.
HOW TO USE TECHNOLOGY FOR GOOD GO OD
BET TER
BEST
Social media is often a highlight reel of positive moments, but that can leave those who are struggling feel more alone. Help others feel less alone by posting about mental health and use the hashtag #TalkingAboutIt.
Set aside a monthly budget of $5, $25, or $50 in a "Do Good" fund. Anytime you see something that breaks your heart in the news or online, find an organization working to make a difference and give them a donation.
Your empathy and time can make a difference when you become a volunteer Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line. Crisis Counselors commit to volunteering 4 hours per week and receive crisis intervention training.
