Facebook launches new suicide prevention tools and resources in India

Facebook today launched an updated set of tools and educational resources that will help provide the support for those who may be struggling with self-injury and even experiencing suicidal thoughts. The tools have been developed in collaboration with a number of mental health organisations along with inputs from individuals who have personally experienced similar tendencies. The tools that were first launched in the US by joining hands with organisations like Forefront, Lifeline, and Save.org are now being rolled in India with help from local partners like AASRA and The Live Love Laugh Foundation. The new suicide prevention tools are available in English and Hindi and will help organisations reach out to individuals who have put out posts related to depression and suicide. Similarly, Facebook users are also encouraged to report similar posts to the social network. Facebook announced that they now have teams working around the clock who are simply present to review the reports that pour in. According to Facebook, vulnerable users will then be encouraged to connect to the local partners to seek self-help and advice and will also be provided with tips on how they can work on reducing those feelings. To help those in need further, Facebook has also introduced a Help A Friend in Need guide in India. The guide was created in partnership with The Jed Foundation and The Clinton Foundation. In India Facebook worked with AASRA, and The Live Love Laugh Foundation, to addressing the issue of mental health. Ankhi Das, Public Policy Director, Facebook India, South & Central Asia**,** said, “Often, friends and family who are the observers in these types of situations don’t know what to do. They’re concerned, but they’re worried about saying the wrong thing or somehow making it worse. Socially, mental illness and thoughts about suicide are just not something we talk about. Facebook is a place where people connect and share, and one of the things we have learnt from the mental health partners and academics we have worked with on this issue, is that being connected is a protective factor in suicide prevention. We care deeply about the safety and well-being of the 148 million people in India who use Facebook to connect with the people who matter to them and recognise there’s an opportunity with these tools and resources to connect someone who is struggling with a person they already have a relationship with.”