How a mental health app inspired by Netflix series 13 Reasons Why is helping young people through the challenges of lockdown

The #Reasons2 app, developed by Washington Mind, offers a safe space where young people can build their own profiles and upload photos that make them smile and give them the feel good factor, to share with others, spreading positivity.

It includes a mental health first aid kit, with numbers to call when you’re feeling down, a crisis section for those in need of immediate support and no likes or comments, which is often a cause for bullying and pressure.

The app was inspired by the Netflix series ‘13 Reasons Why’, which explores the aftermath of a young person taking their own life.

#Reasons2 first launched in October 2017, but Washington Mind revamped the app in December 2020 to bring it up-to-date and offer even more to support young people through the difficult times during the pandemic.

Jacqui Reeves, CEO of Washington Mind, said such resources are more important than ever as lockdown raises the risk of a mental health crisis, with the charity already seeing a rise in demand for its services.

She said: “It’s absolutely crucial to offer support to everyone right now, but especially young people. We know that for a lot of people mental health has deteriorated throughout the pandemic, now more than ever because I don't think anyone expected it to last as long as it has.

"When you think about what the average young person would do and what’s been taken away from them this past year, it's a massive loss.”

She added: “We’re already seeing another increase in referrals and I think mental health services like ours are definitely bracing themselves for a rise in people coming through the service.”

Washington Mind staff have been working to support the community throughout the pandemic, despite groups being on hold due to covid restrictions, and hope to return to sessions in mid-February.

The #Reasons2 app is available to download from the Apple app store and Google Play store and more information can be found at www.wellbeinginfo.org/reasons2

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