Dr David Horgan has now retired and is no longer registered as a practising psychiatrist. He now remains focused on the charity he founded, the Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation (ASPF). ASPF has recently released a website and major award winning application for iPhone and Android, showing concerned people how to respond when thoughts of suicide are mentioned, until professional help can be obtained, or the crisis passes.
Your phone can become a lifesaving instrument, by combining your unique personal impact and ASPF’s extensively researched and approved text messages. No training is required, available 24/7 at no cost to individuals or health services, and texts download to your phone with one click.
The website is https://intoughtimestext.org and the application can be downloaded from the links below.
Equivalent to a plane full of Australians attempt suicide each day, mainly healthy young women aged under 30. What kills those around you in the prime of life (ages 15-44) is not car accidents; it is suicide far more often, mainly healthy males.
If you would like to support the charity and help save lives, please give us publicity For reference, please see a published article in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry: Intensive suicide prevention: Provide Intensive Contact and Start 2 antidepressants
Please see a link to download our flyer with a QR code that will direct people to our website for suggested texts.
An explanation and brief overview of the application can be watched below:
A copy of the Award presented for the In Tough Times Text concept by Dr David Horgan and the team at the Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation is available for download – Award Certificate.
A list of other services where the ASPF provides support can be seen in our Depression Spiral flyer.
