Facebook has partnered with local organisations in an effort to support and raise awareness on mental health in the country.
People can now access support resources at National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Moner Bondhu and Kaan Pete Roi through Facebook.
These organisations will provide regular counselling on suicide, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other related issues, according to a media statement on Friday.
A survey in 2019 said that nearly 17 per cent of adults in Bangladesh are suffering from mental health issues, and 92 per cent among them don’t seek professional help.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has forced people to deal with isolation and navigate feelings of loss,” said Karuna Nain, Director of Global Safety Policy at Facebook.
“We want people to know that they are not alone by connecting them with organisations and experts who are there to listen and help.”
Facebook works with world’s leading experts in mental wellbeing, seeking their inputs to create and modify products and processes.
In Bangladesh, the company has partnered with leading nonprofits like Shuchona Foundation and Moner Bondhu to advise and improve policies and practices.
“One of the best ways to cope with grief is for people to hear from friends and family who care about them,” said Saima Wazed, Chairperson of Shuchona Foundation and Advisor to the Director-General, WHO on Mental Health and Autism.
“We are happy to partner with Facebook to raise awareness about mental health issues in Bangladesh. Making it easier for people to connect to communities and experts that offer support is an important step in addressing mental health,” added Saima Wazed.
Facebook’s Community Standards cover policies around suicide and self-injury.
Facebook has also tightened its policy to avoid unintentionally promoting or triggering self-harm.
Facebook and Instagram will continue to connect people to mental health resources, ensuring that it is easy to seek help and get support, the statement read.
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