Here’s How Facebook Plans To Provide Mental Health Support

Facebook has partnered with It’s Ok to Talk, Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ iCALL Psychosocial Helpline and actor Deepika Padukone’s Live Love Laugh Foundation to provide mental health helplines and resources catering to the local needs of users. The social networking platform has tied up with other leading health authorities from across the world for the service in other countries.

“Experts agree that Covid-19 has exacerbated mental health challenges around the world, and the repercussions will be felt for years to come. Facebook has been working with leading authorities around the world to invest in the critical areas of mental health support, including handling financial stress, parenting support, coping with loss and grief, managing substance use and taking care of overall emotional health,” the company has said.

The company has also introduced several new features and additions to its platforms like a centralised resource center called Emotional Health, which will be incorporated in the Facebook app with tips and information from leading experts. The resource will be available globally, with locally relevant information from mental health officials.

Facebook has also introduced a Crisis Text Line to provide suicide and self-harm prevention support over Messenger. The social media giant has also created a guide on Instagram, in collaboration with The Jed Foundation, to help teens understand how their time online may impact their emotional well-being. Facebook also partnered with the Korea Suicide Prevention Center that provides guidance on how men can talk about mental health without shame.

Urban Company Introduces Unlimited Mental Health Leave Policy

Meanwhile, tech-enabled home services company Urban Company launched its mental health leave policy, ahead of the World Mental Health Day (October 10).

Under the plan, employees will be allowed to take unlimited sick leaves in case they are suffering from any form of mental illness, particularly if the person had contracted Covid-19. It has also made available psychologists for its employees by partnering with the leading mental wellness platform, iWill.

If you are feeling suicidal or have suicidal thoughts, help is at hand, please call 91-9152987821 or visit icallhelpline.org

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