Technology’s Highest Calling: Uniting a Global Community Dedicated to Mental Health

Philadelphia, September 15, 2014 – The Hero’s Journey’s Foundation’s new initiative to build an international Online Community Center for Living Well with Depression (licensetolive.net) stems from the belief that support and its benefits grow exponentially when we’re all connected. “Depression is a painfully lonely and isolating experience. And the more lonely and isolated people feel, the less likely they are to recover from depression, and the more likely they are to commit suicide,” the online community center’s founder Stefanie Glick said. “We’re using the internet’s unique power to unite and support a global community in need.”

And it seems the non-profit organization’s timing couldn’t be better. Just last week, the World Health Organization issued its first global report on suicide prevention, with the sobering news that one person ages 10-64 dies from suicide every 40 seconds, and the amount of life lost (and worldwide disability) attributable to depression will soon be greater than any other condition, including cancer, stroke, heart disease, accidents, and war. “This report is a call for action to address a large public health problem which has been shrouded in taboo for far too long,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan.

“Our foundation’s Online Community Center for Living Well with Depression is a place concerned with addressing this public health crisis,” Glick said. Aiming to offer millions of people living with depression the real-time support and access to free information they desperately want and need, the online community center is described as a support network, discussion forum, educational platform and broadcasting system dedicated to helping people with depression around the world live productive, meaningful and extraordinary lives. “It’s difficult to believe that with over 350 million people currently battling depression, it’s still such a difficult thing to talk about,” Glick added. “But in a recent study, three-quarters of people polled in 35 different countries said they still try to conceal their depression from other people for fear of experiencing discrimination. Now, with one simple click, people will not only be able to participate in an open and supportive dialogue with their peers, but they can also be part of a larger public dialogue related to cutting-edge research, prevention and policy.” This one-of-a-kind website will host various chat rooms in both English and Spanish (with trained moderators), a blog about new and creative strategies for minimizing symptoms and preventing relapses, a Resource Corner with a list of 24-hour suicide hotlines in over 50 countries, and a wide range of dynamic content, such as a Video Speaker Series and ongoing columns featuring experts in the mental health field, a Monthly Book Club, a Creative Corner, a “Dark Comedy” Corner, and much more.

The Hero’s Journey Foundation is currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com to build and launch the License to Live International Online Community Center for Living Well with Depression. For those looking for a big return on their investment, even a small donation will help the non-profit organization make a world of difference.

When & Where:

Between today and October 22, 2014, the Hero’s Journey Foundation is running a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com (“Depression: Let’s Talk! Uniting A Global Community”).

Non-profit organization: www.theherosjourneyfoundation.org

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