Lets talk about depression

Why:

With 800 000 per year, or 1 every 40 seconds, suicide is no small subject, however depression and suicide is an uncomfortable subject that many choose not to discuss. If we want these numbers to change for the better however, it is crucial that this subject is addressed.

Even if you are willing to support those suffering or even open up in regards to your own experiences, your next question may be how? There are already helplines available (Lifeline Auckland: 0800 543 354) as well as Councillors to talk to (https://depression.org.nz/get-better/who-else-can-help/) so what can the individual do? Well, that's where "Relate" comes into play.

Our Dream:

Relate's dream is to create an international, instant messaging app for those impacted by depression to talk to every-day people who have battled with and survived depression and/or suicide, all while retaining complete anonymity. No social media, no profile pictures, just a username and a password.

Users will have an option to:

1. Instantly message a random, online person who has previously dealt with depression (or Relatable's as we like to call them) and get talking and sharing straight away.

2. Search through Relatable bios and select one that they can personally relate to and message.

3. Message a Relatable in their city or vicinity.

Relate will open a pathway of support for those suffering from depression without them having to physically call someone or sit down with a trained professional or counselor. It's quick, it's convenient, and it's relatable.

So how can you help?

To get Relate up and running, we have estimated that this will cost at least $50 000 - $75 000 to build the app from scratch. If this amount is met and surpassed, the next goal is $50 000 for international and domestic advertising. If that is still met and surpassed the remaining amount will go towards a website and other issues that may arise.

Any donations/pledges would be greatly appreciated and would help towards this goal. And if you can't donate, no problem, even just sharing this dream with friends and family would be appreciated.

Showing our appreciation:

For all those who pledge and donate, we will give you the option to have your name built into the app on a "Those who listened" page to show users that they are not alone and we are all willing to help. If you would rather keep your name separate however feel free to donate anonymously or just let us know.

What is Success?

With your help, if Relate can put a dent in the 2000+ deaths a day that would be truly incredible. Even if Relate helps 1 person suffering with depression or prevents just 1 death from occurring however, I will personally view this as a success, and you can be a part of this for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

So help us help others and let those suffering from depression know that they are not alone and that we do care, we will listen and we can relate.

If you have any further questions or constructive criticism please feel free to email relateandlisten@gmail.com

Thank you