Facebook provides users access to professional support for mental health issues

People in Bangladesh can now access regular counseling – on suicide, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other related metal health issues – through Facebook.

The social media giant is now providing its users in Bangladesh access to support resources for mental health issues at the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Moner Bondhu and Kaan Pete Roi, read a press release on Friday. 

According to a 2019 survey, nearly 17% of adults in Bangladesh are suffering from mental health issues, and 92% among them do not seek professional help, it added.

Regarding the new initiative, Karuna Nain, director of Global Safety Policy at Facebook, said, "The Covid-19 pandemic has forced people to deal with isolation and navigate feelings of loss. 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 the world's leading experts in mental wellbeing, seeking their input 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. 

Saima Wazed, chairperson of Shuchona Foundation and advisor to the Director-General of WHO on Mental Health and Autism, said, "One of the best ways to cope with grief is for people to hear from friends and family who care about them."

"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," she added.