Experience of online, text-based, anonymous mental health support during COVID-19 for young women previously at risk of suicide

ABSTRACT

Suicide in young people (YP) is of increasing concern. Online mental health (MH) support platforms are becoming increasingly prevalent and may offer a way to support YP’s MH. However, there are challenges to safeguarding YP on these platforms, such as the inability to see or respond to behaviours that pose risk. The present study aims to explore the experience of online, anonymous, text-based services provided by Kooth, an online MH platform, to YP previously at risk of suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five female YP previously at risk of suicide were interviewed through online chat-based semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results discuss three superordinate themes: a safe space to share; control; and need for connection. Thematic results highlight the desire for anonymity and control of therapeutic conversations due to concerns regarding confidentiality, and the perceived consequences of seeking help. Participants were successfully able to build connections through chats with online MH support staff. However, miscommunication was an issue throughout their experience, and could exacerbate negative feelings. Themes suggest that anonymous, online services can overcome access barriers and enable YP to share and process their experiences. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Online mental health support
• text based
• suicide
• young people
• COVID-19

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Notes

1 A list of acronyms can be found in Appendix 3.

2 Please see Appendix 2 for a definition of key terms.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samantha Leece

Samantha Leece graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2021 with a Masters in Child Development and Wellbeing in Practice. Samantha is currently a Trainee Educational Psychologist at the University of Birmingham. Her current research interests include child and adolescent mental health, and teachers’ psychological well-being post-COVID-19.

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the North West of England. She works for Kooth, a digital mental health service, and in private practice. Hannah recently edited and published the book ‘Delivering Mental Health Therapies Using Digital Platforms: A Guide to the Benefits, Challenges and Making it Work.’

Panoraia Andriopoulou

Panoraia Andriopoulou, BSc, MSc, PhD, CPsychol, FHEA is a HCPC registered Clinical & Counselling Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Psychology. She is fully trained in CBT, Schema Therapy, and Systemic Family Therapy and has worked as a practitioner psychologist for more than 17 years both in private practice and in the public sector, gaining extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety, depressive, and personality disorders. She has been a trainer and supervisor for CB therapists since 2006. At present, she teaches clinical and counselling psychology at undergraduate and post-graduate levels and supervises post-graduate students carrying out qualitative and quantitative projects. Her research interests lie within the areas of clinical/counselling psychology and psychotherapy, psychopathology, psychological well-being, and the therapeutic properties of close relationships with a special focus on attachment.