PURPLE NOTE PROJECT

The Purple Note Project is built on the proven success of the Caring Letters intervention, a suicide prevention strategy developed by Dr. Jerome Motto in the 1970s. His groundbreaking research demonstrated that regular, non-demanding communication, such as handwritten letters, can significantly reduce suicide rates among individuals at high risk. This simple yet powerful approach offers emotional connection and a sense of care, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

The effectiveness of caring letters has been supported by multiple studies over decades:

A 50-65% reduction in suicide rates was observed in individuals receiving regular letters compared to those who did not.

The intervention led to a 44% decrease in suicidal ideation and a 48% decrease in suicide attempts in military populations.

These findings highlight the powerful effect of consistent, personal connection in reducing suicide risk, which forms the foundation of the Purple Note Project.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple letter couldn’t make a significant difference. Its true power lies in the way it provides consistent care and connection. Dr. Jerome Motto’s research revealed that these ongoing, personal notes have a profound impact on people during vulnerable moments.

The Purple Note Project follows this same model, offering handwritten letters to create meaningful, long-term support. What makes these letters so effective is not just the act of sending them, but how they are designed to foster a sense of genuine connection.

The characteristics of caring letters are carefully crafted to maximize their impact. By keeping the messages short and simple, recipients are not overwhelmed but instead feel seen and cared for.

These notes don’t ask for anything in return, relieving the pressure to respond, and they arrive regularly, maintaining a sense of ongoing connection. Their genuine concern, personal touches, and non-clinical tone make the letters feel more like a message from a caring friend.

This combination of consistency, empathy, and personal attention is what makes these letters so powerful in helping people feel supported and less isolated.

Here are the key characteristics that make caring letters so effective:

1. Short and Simple: The letters are brief and easy to read, preventing them from feeling overwhelming.

2. Non-Demanding: Recipients are not required to respond, which removes any pressure.

3. Consistent and Regular: Letters are sent at regular intervals, creating a long-term connection.

4. Genuine Concern: The letters express non-judgmental care and concern.

5. Personalized: They often include small personal touches relevant to the recipient’s situation.

6. Non-Clinical: The tone is friendly and empathetic, avoiding medical or therapeutic language.

7. Focused on Connection: The letters remind recipients that they are not alone, fostering a sense of support and care.

These qualities work together to provide not just encouragement, but a real lifeline during difficult times.

This program is all about building meaningful, long-term connections through a series of 25 letters, offering steady, compassionate support to those who need it most.

Peer Support: Each letter is written by someone who has faced their own struggles, creating a sense of connection and understanding. It’s about showing that none of us are truly alone, and that shared experiences can be a powerful source of strength.

Focus on Continuity: We recognize that the time following a suicide attempt or psychiatric discharge can be especially vulnerable. This program provides ongoing care during those critical periods, helping to prevent relapse and support recovery through continuous, personal engagement.

Emotional Support: The Purple Note Project is here to offer consistent, genuine care. Through regular communication, we make sure that individuals never feel alone as they take each step forward in their recovery.

Suicide Prevention: By staying connected through ongoing, personal letters, we aim to reduce the risk of suicide and remind people that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and support.

Suicidal Thoughts

When someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, a handwritten letter can be a vital source of support, offering hope, understanding, and a reminder that they are not alone. These letters provide compassionate validation of their pain, reinforce their self-worth, and encourage them to seek help. By offering a moment of calm and connection, the letter serves as a lifeline, helping the recipient navigate through their darkest moments.

Suicide Attempt or Psychiatric Admission

Requesting a letter for someone after an acute psychiatric stay or suicide attempt provides crucial support during a vulnerable time. These handwritten letters offer reassurance, continued care, and a sense of connection, helping individuals feel less isolated and overwhelmed as they navigate their recovery. By reinforcing their strength and resilience, encouraging self-compassion, and reducing feelings of stigma, a letter becomes a compassionate gesture that aids in their healing journey.

Suicide Grief and Loss

Losing someone to suicide is an overwhelming and isolating experience, leaving survivors with deep grief and emotional turmoil. Emotional support letters during this time can provide much-needed comfort, empathy, and understanding, helping to ease the unique pain of suicide loss.

By offering support, acknowledging the complexities of their grief, and encouraging connection with others, the letter can mitigate the risk of further mental health challenges and provide a lifeline of hope and healing as survivors navigate their difficult journey.