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MaryGrace Lerin

Facebook Introduces New Assistance and Awareness Resources for World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is this Sunday, October 10th, and to commemorate the occasion, Facebook has released a number of new assistance tools, as well as dedicated content on Watch and through Oculus VR, aimed at providing guidance and raising awareness of mental health issues.


Given the many stressors of recent years, this will almost certainly be welcomed by many.

To begin with, in collaboration with UNICEF, Facebook has created new mental health resource cards as well as guides for BIPOC Mental Health Month to give fair access to mental health assistance.


Facebook is also cooperating with UNICEF to introduce a newGlobal Mental Health chatbot on WhatsApp that will provide advice on "communicating what's on your mind, breaking down stigmas, and initiating a conversation with someone you care about."


“Mental health and wellbeing resources like exercises to help reduce stress can also be found through the WHO’s Health Alert chatbot on WhatsApp. Regional helplines, including a Loneliness Advice chatbot developed by the Connection Coalition in the UK, are also available.”


In collaboration with the World Health Organization, Facebook has launched a new "I Care For You" sticker pack to Messenger, which is intended to assist in initiating conversations about mental health.


Facebook is also cooperating with UNICEF to introduce a newGlobal Mental Health chatbot on WhatsApp that will provide advice on "communicating what's on your mind, breaking down stigmas, and initiating a conversation with someone you care about."


“Mental health and wellbeing resources like exercises to help reduce stress can also be found through the WHO’s Health Alert chatbot on WhatsApp. Regional helplines, including a Loneliness Advice chatbot developed by the Connection Coalition in the UK, are also available.”


In collaboration with the World Health Organization, Facebook has launched a new "I Care For You" sticker pack to Messenger, which is intended to assist in initiating conversations about mental health.


Facebook also mentions that several of its Bulletin newsletter authors are interested in mental health issues, and it's starting a new Facebook Watch series on the subject:


“On October 11th, a new season of Peace of Mind with Taraji premieres on Facebook Watch. Hosted by Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson, each episode features interviews with celebrities, experts and everyday people about mental health topics with a focus on the Black community.”


Facebook also points out that the recent finale of Facebook Watch's "Simone vs Herself" shows Olympic gymnast Simone Biles discussing the mental health struggles she endured in Tokyo this summer.


Moreover, Facebook is preparing for the next stage of digital connection with a new Oculus VR experience that addresses mental health experiences.


“Goliath: Playing with Reality is a free virtual reality experience on Oculus Quest that provides an up-close look at the weight of schizophrenia. [The program] explores the true story of Jon, a man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, through immersive VR and artful narration by Academy Award-winning actress Tilda Swinton. This experience is designed to promote empathy and encourage conversations about mental health.”


Considering the stresses of the last two years, it appears that the majority of people have experienced mental health issues in some way, and with social platforms now playing such an important connective role, it's critical for each network to provide resources like this to assist people in need and link them to relevant, helpful tools and reference points.


Even though these don't appear to be significant contributions, sometimes all people need is a simple hint to take a step back and assess their mental condition.

Quite noteworthy as we move into the weekend.


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