I was scrolling through social media one evening when I came across a video of a young man named Ben. He spoke quietly and sincerely about losing his younger brother to suicide at just 17 years old.
What Ben’s brother never got to see was the ripple effect his death had — on Ben, on their family, and on people far beyond their circle.
Like a stone dropped into water, the impact spread outward. Ben shared that he didn’t want anyone else to feel so alone, or to be left behind carrying that grief. Out of that loss came Reasons to Stay, a suicide prevention project that uses the internet — and kindness — to reach people in their darkest moments.
The website is simple, but powerful. Visitors are shown anonymous letters written by real people who care. Each time the page refreshes, a new letter appears. The words are gentle, hopeful, and human — reminders that someone, somewhere, took the time to write because they wanted you to stay.
All letters are reviewed by trained mental health professionals to ensure they are safe for people experiencing suicidal distress.
Users can also subscribe to receive a weekly letter delivered to their inbox, or write their own letter to a stranger, offering warmth and connection to someone who may desperately need it.
Our letter read:
“Hi there,
I hope today joy finds you even in the smallest way, the way that reminds you that it’s not okay right now, and that’s okay. I hope something encourages you to look up at the sunlight and feel the warmth on your face, closing your eyes for a bit while your body takes it in. I can imagine it’s loud in your head with all the ways life feels wrong, and I’m glad you made it through today. You deserve to see tomorrow. I care about you, and I’m glad you’re here.
– Bri
Reasons to Stay was created in memory of Sam West, who took his own life in 2018. The project exists as a reminder that even when it feels like no one sees you, someone does. It is part of a growing movement of online spaces designed to break isolation and destigmatise mental illness.
Another example is Letters to Strangers, a global, youth-run nonprofit working to normalise conversations around mental health and improve access to affordable, quality treatment for young people aged 13 and up.
Through handwritten letters, advocacy, and education, the organisation helps young people feel heard, valued, and less alone.
Beyond websites, this message of connection has also found its way into clothing and lifestyle brands, including You Are Enough Co., I Got You, Dear Person Co., and It’s Okay Not to Be Okay. Each uses simple words on everyday items to quietly remind people that they matter.
Natalie Oniszk-De Vincenzi, founder and CEO of You Are Enough Co., says her brand was born from loss. She describes the brand as a step toward normalising mental health conversations and quieting the “inner bully” that tells people they are not enough.
“Being a son to a mother is enough. Being a friend that listens is enough. Smiling at a stranger is enough,” she said. “It’s time we start being kinder to one another. It’s time for people to know they are not alone.”
Together, these projects show how digital platforms — often criticised for harm — can also be used to save lives.
They don’t promise easy answers. They simply offer connection, empathy, and a reason to pause. And sometimes, that pause is enough to help someone stay.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a trusted person or a support service can help.
In Australia, Lifeline is available 24/7
Phone 13 11 14. Or text 0477 13 11 14
Chitchat Newspaper. March 2026.