Facebook joins fight against mental health, launches portals to connect users to support

Internet giant Facebook on October 5 announced several initiatives across their apps, in collaboration with leading mental health authorities, to extend a helping hand to those who might be struggling with their mental health in the time of coronavirus. 

In a blog post by Facebook, it is mentioned that experts agree that COVID-19 has increased mental health challenges. “Today we’re introducing Emotional Health, a centralized resource center on the Facebook app with tips and information from leading experts,” read a statement.

Also Read | Teenage girl becomes Finland’s Prime Minister for a day

The resources will be globally available, with mental health officials weighing in on the subject. The app that will be rolling out has a number of
features to connect people to expert support and resources including:

– The World Health Organization Digital Stress Management
Guide, which provides easy-to-follow techniques designed to reduce stress and
promote mental well-being, now available on the WHO Health Alert chatbot on
WhatsApp

Also Read | Mental health toll of pandemic ‘devastating’: WHO

– A sticker pack available on Messenger designed with the WHO,
to facilitate conversations around mental health that can lead to support

– Suicide and self-harm prevention through our expanded
partnership with Crisis Text Line to provide Crisis Support Over Messenger

– New mental well-being guides on Instagram will help teens understand how
their time online may impact their emotional well-being.

Also Read | Depression can’t be cured by sweeping it under the carpet: Mental wellness coach Kanchan Rai

“Making information about mental health more accessible is extremely important. At the World Health Organization, we are pleased to be collaborating with Facebook in support of that goal for this year’s World Mental Health Day,” said Gabriella Stern, WHO Director of Communications.