Non-Profit Launches New App To Support Teens And Prevent Suicidal Behaviors Or Actions

Non-profit, MY FAVE 5, has launched a new app to strengthen support networks for teens and prevent suicidal behaviors or actions.

January 26, 2021 / / —

MY FAVE 5, a non-profit organization that helps teenagers develop coping mechanisms, has created a new app. The purpose of the app is to encourage teens who may be struggling to cope to reach out to adults to talk about day-to-day challenges.

By downloading the app, users can benefit from personalized support at the touch of a button. The MY FAVE 5 app allows teens to select up to five adults who are already in their life. Once a request is accepted by the chosen individual, their contact information is stored securely. If the user needs support or they want to talk, they can reach out to their FAVE 5 through the app. With this new tool, vulnerable teens have access to support at their fingertips, making it easier for them to contact an adult or, with just a glance of their phone, know they have adults in their life who love and care for them.

MY FAVE 5 was established to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health. The app is a tool targeted at teenagers, the most vulnerable with irrational thoughts and impulsive behaviors, to encourage them to reach out for help. Teens use apps on a regular basis, and with this new app, they can enjoy peace of mind that a friendly, familiar voice is just a tap away. Human interaction, even if it is over the phone or via text, can help to reassure and comfort, especially in times of distress. With the app, teens have an accessible support network they can call upon if they feel down, helpless, frustrated or upset. It is hoped that building bridges and connecting teens with the people they trust will help prevent a teen from acting on their sometimes irrational thoughts. Even a single adult contact can have an incredibly positive impact on a teenager who may be finding life tough or losing hope. The MY FAVE 5 app is free and available to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Talking about the benefits of the app, Carla Seemann, LPCC-s, LICDC-s, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Adjunct Faculty at Xavier University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, said, “When we look at protective factors for teen/young adult mental health we look at the level of connection they feel to others, their community, and other social institutions. Another protective factor is problem solving skills. The teen doesn’t necessarily have to have all of the right problem solving skills but having access to others who may is another way we can help protect our teens and young adults. Having the MY FAVE 5 app can help create a safety net of personal connections for the individual, which also helps increase resiliency to future stress.” The impact of COVID-19 on our teens and young adults with isolation, remote learning and lack of human interaction has only increased the risk of suicide amongst our teens where suicide is already in the top three leading causes of death.

Don Wright, CEO and Founder of Clarigent Health in Mason, Ohio shared his view of the MY FAVE 5 app “MY FAVE 5 will have a vast impact on young people’s risk of suicide, which will be one of the biggest pandemic challenges of 2021. MY FAVE 5 addresses the needs of teens in their most vulnerable moments, harnessing social support with technology to help prevent suicide.” MY FAVE 5 is looking to join forces with schools, counselors and individuals who are willing to pilot the teen suicide prevention app and collect feedback.

Speaking about her experience using the app with students, Jean Horn, a school counselor at Bishop Fenwick High School, Franklin, Ohio, said, “We have already introduced this freshman class to the app – that means all four grade levels have access and understanding about its purpose and benefits. We include the app in a lesson with our kids about self-care and emotional regulation. Our goal is to provide them with as many tools at their fingertips to help the students identify their thoughts and feelings and access healthy and timely support for those thoughts and feelings. Self-care has never been more important than in the time of COVID-19.”

About MY FAVE 5
MY FAVE 5 was established to help teens develop coping mechanisms and encourage them to reach out and seek help, support or advice. Launched by Gina Marek following the death of her son, Jacob, at the age of 15, the non-profit aims to help teenagers navigate challenges and make visible the trusted adults who are in their life and have agreed to be there for them to talk to about their thoughts and feelings. The app is a new tool, which provides instant access to a network of adults each user trusts, is free and available on the App Store and Google Play. For more details or to donate, please visit www.myfave5.org for more details.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about MY FAVE 5 is encouraged to use the following contact details:

Organization name: My FAVE 5
Website: https://www.myfave5.org/
Press contact: Gina Marek
Press contact address: 6358 Trail Ridge Court Loveland OH 45140
Press contact phone number: (419) 351-1382
Press contact email: myfave5org@gmail.com

Contact Info:
Name: Gina Marek
Email: Send Email
Organization: My FAVE 5
Address: 6358 Trail Ridge Court Loveland OH 45140
Phone: (419) 351-1382
Website: https://www.myfave5.org/

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Release ID: 88995005