Mental health matters.
WHAT IS HIDDEN STRENGTH
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, 2021, a new app for teens and young people has today launched which uniquely offers free 24/7 access to therapists and real-time support for those in crisis or struggling with their mental health.
The Hidden Strength app is available to people aged 13-24 and facilitates a community of like-minded people to anonymously come together and support each other, with round-the-clock access to tools and activities that promote holistic mental wellbeing.
The app launch follows research commissioned by Hidden Strength, which found that of the 3.3 million people aged 13-24 suffering from something that affects their mental health, two thirds (66%) would take up therapy if was free.
WHY FREE ACCESS TO THERAPY IS NEEDED
Hidden Strength will help combat the UK’s growing mental health crisis which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; its research revealed more than half (58%) of young people suffering from mental ill-health have only done so since the first lockdown in March 2020, whilst nearly three quarters (73%) say their condition has worsened in the last 14 months. This trend is also set to continue, with a quarter (23%) of young people saying they feel very anxious about the return to normal once lockdown restrictions lift.
The app’s launch will allow young people to access reliable and professional support should they not feel comfortable approaching a parent. Just 28% of young people with mental ill-health have spoken to a parent about their mental wellbeing, with a quarter (25%) of those saying their parent was unhelpful, and half (50%) feeling their mental health issue wasn’t considered serious by their parent or guardian.
Dr Dawn Harper, practicing NHS GP, TV presenter and member of the Hidden Strength Advisory Board: “Working as an NHS GP, I have seen a worrying increase in the number of young people suffering with mental health issues in recent years, especially during the pandemic.
“I encourage all parents to alert their children to the Hidden Strength app, especially if you suspect they may need support with their mental health or don’t want to raise the subject with you. It’s a ‘one stop shop’ for mental health and wellbeing, and parents can rest assured it allows them to access reliable support where and when they need it, in a safe and secure way.”
Linsey Lunny, Founder and CEO, Hidden Strength:
“As a mother of two children entering their teen years and reflecting on my own mental health experiences in my youth, I was conscious that now, more than ever, adolescents need a reliable source of information and support. I wanted to ensure my kids and their friends had somewhere to turn to at all times and Hidden Strength is just that.”
APP FEATURES
Sign Up & Connecting
Hidden Strength has a strictly enforced age restriction. Only those aged 13-24 can sign up via a secure identity verification process.
It is private by default. When users join the platform, they choose a username to identify them on the platform so their real-name is never visible to other users. They can optionally choose friends to connect with, but they must know their mobile number in order to invite them to connect with them on the platform.
The Hidden Strength app is available now on iOS and Android. Users can register their place on the waiting list before the app’s features become fully accessible in June.
My Journal
Users can record their thoughts in a private journal and respond to prompts which encourage them to record their feelings in the moment. They can optionally publish these on their public story.
Chat
Users can start chat conversations between their friends, either one-to-one or in groups. In the future, users will be able to request a Hidden Strength therapist join their conversation to offer advice.
Life Ring
Central to the app and unique to Hidden Strength, is the ability for young people to access direct support from therapists and councillors for free at any time of day or night. The Life Ring icon allows young people to reach out to chat with real, professional therapists, book in a session for another time, or be signposted to helpful resources on the app. Young people are guided through a short triage process in order to determine the best course of action and get them the help straight away.
Stories
Users can view a public story feed, curated by Hidden Strength’s own team and approved content creators, which might include mental health experts or celebrities and influencers.
Resources
A library of self-help resources is available within the app. These resources include video guides about mental health topics, nutrition, wellbeing and exercise.
To find out more about Hidden Strength, visit hiddenstrength.com
