Social networking giant Facebook has introduced tools and educational resources to help people in India who may be struggling with self-injury or experiencing suicidal thoughts. These tools are already available in countries like the US, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

First launched in the US with the help of Forefront, Lifeline and Save.org, the tools were developed in collaboration with mental health organisations and with inputs from people who have personal experience with self-injury and suicide.

With the help of these new tools, if someone posts something on Facebook that makes a user concerned about the person’s well-being, they can reach out to the person directly and can also report the post to the US-based firm. Vulnerable users will then be encouraged to connect to the AASRA India helpline or the Live Love Laugh Foundation or a friend or seek self-help advice from resources and tips provided on how they can work through these feelings. Film actress Deepika Padukone, the founder of the The Live Love Laugh Foundation added that the foundation wants to reduce stigma and create awareness around mental health in India.

Help a Friend in Need

• Facebook has also introduced ‘Help a Friend in Need’ guide to help people identify when someone is distressed and what steps to take to get help.
• The guide also offers suggestions on how to approach their friend, what to say, how to react and what to avoid. It gives people the skills to reach out without fear of making the situation worse.
• The guide will be available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Sinhalese, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Marathi.