Meet Amanda Southworth. She's 16-years old and describes herself as somewhat of a hot mess. She suffers from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. By the age of 15, Southworth had attempted to commit suicide seven times.

But in 2015 Southworth found an outlet. She began building apps that help herself and others cope. Late that year she launched an app called AnxietyHelper. It's an app that provided the resources that she and others like her needed.

“I can honestly say that technology has saved my life,” Southworth said. She says she hasn't harmed herself or attempted suicide since. “When I found something greater than myself, I realized that I am not just a person with a life. I am a person who has something to contribute.”

The recent suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain are reminders that suicide is a problem in the US that needs to be addressed. The suicide rate for white children and teens ages 10 to 17 rose 70 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to USA Today.

Southmore takes comfort in the fact that her work is helping people. She says people tell her all the time:  Your app stopped me from killing myself.

If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, call the suicide prevention hotline. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-273-8255.

 

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