BrighterSide

BrighterSide is currently accessible to those participating in a trial conducted by The Black Dog Institute.

Digital health apps have been shown to be effective at reducing the severity of suicidal thinking.

BrighterSide has been designed by a team of mental health experts in Australia, and incorporates the perspectives of adults with Lived Experience. The app contains five modules based primarily on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). It also incorporates elements of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and positive psychology.

BrighterSide aims to help those with suicidal thinking to understand their thoughts and develop the best skills and strategies to help manage them.

The app has been developed with the following five key design principles:
1. Safety First – safety is paramount to protect the user from harm, and suicidal thought escalation - especially in high intensity periods.
2. Respect – we acknowledge the user’s current situation, and sought feedback from the Lived Experience community regarding the use of language within the app.
3. Empowerment – After downloading BrighterSide, users can access all modules, and can choose which pathway or activities they wish to complete. Users can also revisit favourite activities they find helpful.
4. Simplicity – the flow and navigation within the app has been tested with our Lived Experience community to ensure it is intuitive and users are able to quickly navigate with minimal effort
5. Trust – supporting the users’ trust and acceptance that the content will help them, and that they are not alone on their journey.

Key features within the BrighterSide app include the ability for users to create their own Safety Plan, and the use of calming and/or distracting tools to help reduce the intensity of their thoughts. These tools are there to support users until they are ready, or able, to speak to someone for support and help.


For more information please contact brighterside@blackdog.org.au