Rebreathe: A Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Platform

Rebreathe is a groundbreaking mental health and suicide prevention platform designed to help individuals overcome social challenges such as suicide, school violence, mental health struggles, discrimination, and more. By immersing users in a VR environment based on real-life experiences, Rebreathe fosters empathy, understanding, and healing.

This project aims to provide solace to those who have faced these hardships by allowing them to connect with others who share similar experiences. Through this sense of shared understanding, users can find comfort and emotional release while engaging in meaningful conversations within a supportive community.

At the same time, individuals who have, at some point, caused harm to others—whether through bullying, discrimination, or other negative actions—can engage in self-reflection. By experiencing firsthand the consequences of their actions through VR, they can better understand the pain they may have inflicted and recognize the impact of their choices.

Mental health struggles, particularly among young people, are alarmingly prevalent worldwide. Every 40 seconds, a life is lost due to these challenges. Schools, workplaces, and other environments expose individuals to immense psychological distress, making it crucial to raise awareness and expand support networks across various media. Rebreathe seeks to bring much-needed attention to these issues for the well-being of our children, families, and communities.

The Motivation Behind Rebreathe

The inspiration behind Rebreathe comes from my belief that true understanding of pain can only come from lived experience. From the age of 9, I endured severe bullying, physical assault, sexual violence, and discrimination based on my gender identity in Korea. These experiences led to a 15-year battle with mental illness, tic disorder, PTSD, and nine suicide attempts. However, I was able to overcome these traumas by uncovering the deeper reasons behind my suffering. (A more detailed account is provided in the story section below.)

Because of these personal experiences, I deeply understand the emotions of those struggling with similar challenges. I know which aspects of a story can evoke solace and foster empathy. By leveraging technology, Rebreathe provides a space where people can find healing, support, and understanding.

With VR experiences accessible via smartphones, computers, and other virtual or augmented reality devices, Rebreathe offers a way to transform painful memories into a source of strength—without the limitations of time or space.