Social media platforms are often criticized for spreading misinformation, promoting unverified health fads, and creating pressure to purchase unnecessary products. Yet amidst this sea of questionable content, genuine positive initiatives occasionally emerge and capture widespread attention.
A Beacon of Hope on Instagram
One powerful example is a now-viral Instagram reel focused on suicide prevention, designed to reach individuals during their most vulnerable moments. The video was created by Ben West, a mental health advocate based in the United Kingdom, who founded reasonstostay.co.uk in memory of his brother, Sam, who died by suicide.
The website serves as a supportive resource for people grappling with suicidal thoughts and ideation. Its core function allows anonymous users worldwide to write and submit letters of encouragement to those in need. These letters are then displayed randomly on the site's homepage.
Anonymous Letters Combatting Isolation
Visitors to the site are greeted with messages from strangers, such as: "Hello Friend, I just wanted to reach out and let you know that you are being thought of. Even if today feels hard, you are not alone," or "Dearest you, I’m so pleased you’re here. I hope when you read this, you remember how truly magical you are." These letters fulfill the website's explicit mission: to give people reasons to stay.
In his viral Instagram video, West stated the platform "worked for someone. We can be fairly confident that it really worked for someone." While specific details of that success story remain private, the site's fundamental goal of encouraging readers to persevere appears to have been achieved.
The Therapeutic Impact of Connection
Gabe Solseng, a therapist with Self Space in Washington, explains the psychological mechanism behind such a platform's effectiveness. "Most people might question how a simple letter could help someone in crisis. A key reason is that suicidal ideation thrives in isolation, a fact supported by numerous studies," Solseng noted.
Dark, intrusive thoughts foster isolation through two primary channels: the perceived inability to share these thoughts with others and the shame often associated with such feelings. "Isolation encourages these thoughts, and the thoughts encourage further isolation. It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle," Solseng elaborated.
Breaking Barriers Without Leaving Home
A platform like reasonstostay.co.uk directly interrupts this harmful cycle. Reading an anonymous, supportive letter "immediately breaks down that isolation, providing even a faint sense that someone cares and that kind words exist for you," Solseng said. Crucially, it dismantles the barrier of isolation without requiring someone to leave their home or even their bedroom.
"It doesn't demand attending a group, signing up for a service, or making oneself vulnerable. Sometimes, just saying hello, picking up the phone, or visiting a suicide prevention hotline website can feel overwhelming," he added.
The Value of Anonymous, Universal Support
Solseng highlighted the particular value of the site's anonymous nature. "It demonstrates that your worth isn't contingent on friends who like you or parents who love you. It reinforces that even if no one knew you, your life would still be valuable, loved, and worthwhile," he explained.
This creates a "beautiful human moment" for individuals who may feel other support avenues are inaccessible. It also cultivates a sense of broader community support. "On a human, perhaps instinctual level, there is safety and security in feeling acknowledged by a community. It's the recognition of a network of people you may never meet, but are part of, beyond your immediate circle," Solseng described.
Strength in Seeking Support
Society often equates strength with stoicism—dealing with problems internally, putting on a brave face, and pushing forward. "While this can be helpful sometimes, there's only so much 'pushing forward' one can do before needing professional mental health support," Solseng cautioned.
Websites like reasonstostay.co.uk can be a vital component of a recovery plan, but are likely just one part of a broader prescription for wellness. "True strength often lies in recognizing when you need support, acknowledging feelings of being low, anxious, depressed, or out of sorts. Strength comes from understanding the utility of support, knowing it doesn't diminish your own resilience, but can be critical in overcoming challenges," Solseng asserted.
A Call to Action Beyond the Screen
This recognition may involve visiting supportive websites, but it could also mean starting therapy, consulting a psychiatrist, leaning on loved ones, or contacting crisis lines like the 988 lifeline via call or chat. "There's often a perceived burden in telling loved ones you're struggling, a fear of being a bother or feeling unworthy of love. That always breaks my heart," Solseng shared.
"As this website wonderfully illustrates, it doesn't require someone who loves you to want to support you. There are people who've never met you who would, in a heartbeat, do what they could to help. The same is true of the people already around you," he added.
If you or someone you know is struggling, immediate help is available: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Local mental health and crisis resources can be found at dontcallthepolice.com. For support outside the United States, please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
