Latest news with #MentalHealthMatters
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
TikTok Unveils Expansion of Global Mental Health Fund and Innovative Safety Tools to Champion Digital Well-Being in Africa
TikTok ( today hosted its inaugural Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg, bringing together policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa. Delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and beyond gathered to further strengthen efforts to support and protect community well-being on the platform. The summit provided a platform for open dialogue on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy and access to experts, fostering a balanced online environment. A comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships were introduced, including the expansion of TikTok's global $2.3 million mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, expanded local in-app helplines, and an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users. The event also spotlighted ongoing efforts such as TikTok's #MentalHealthMatters campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices across the globe. Together, these actions are designed to support balanced digital habits, providing communities with access to reliable information. "We commend the private sector's efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector's collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities and connect young people to the digital world," added Hon. Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa. Bringing in-app meditation to our entire community As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok has introduced a guided meditation experience in Sleep Hours – an in-app well-being experience automatically enabled at 22:00 for all users under the age of 18. Anyone above this age can choose to turn it on. This feature, the first of its kind in the industry, was piloted in March 2025 and is available worldwide. Research shows that mindful meditation can improve sleep quality, helping young users wind down and build healthier night-time routines. The introduction of this tool reinforces TikTok's mission to support digital well-being by fostering better sleep hygiene and emotional regulation, particularly for teens and adolescents navigating the pressures of a hyper-connected world. 'People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That's why we're proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions,' said Valiant Richey, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships. TikTok's Mental Health Education Fund Expands to Support African Organsiations At the summit, TikTok also announced the expansion of its $2.3 million global Mental Health Education Fund to include organisations from Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the platform's commitment to supporting mental health education across the continent. With this expansion, three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya's Mental360. These organisations will receive funding and platform support to develop locally relevant, evidence-based content that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages open dialogue around mental health in African communities. TikTok created the Mental Health Education Fund in 2023 to support organisations in creating authoritative, engaging and uplifting mental health content. Globally, the Fund has so far helped organisations gain more than 173 million impressions on their content, more than 600,000 new followers for their accounts, prompted more than 200,000 web visits, and helped recruit 486 new volunteers, thanks to a combined $7.3 million in ad credit donations. Expansion of In-App Mental Health Helplines Across Africa Building on a successful pilot in France and subsequent rollout across European countries, TikTok is expanding in-app helpline resources across Africa. In the coming weeks, users of some countries in Africa will have access to local helplines in-app that provide expert support when reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment. This feature builds on existing capabilities that direct users to mental health resources when they report bullying and harassment, further strengthening access to timely and relevant support on the platform. These partners can offer assistance including counselling, advice, free psychological support, and other essential services to those in need. While TikTok reviews reported content and removes violations of Community Guidelines, users can connect with these partner organisations to receive personal support, should they need it. TikTok announces Mental Health Ambassadors to support online wellbeing in Africa As part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), TikTok has officially introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network. The inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes: Sanam Naran: (South Africa) Dr Claire Kinuthia (Kenya) Doctor Wales (Nigeria) Doctor Siya (South Africa) Commitment to Digital Safety and Innovation The Digital Well-Being Summit underscores TikTok's broader strategy to proactively address digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy. By combining safety technology, expert partnerships, and community engagement, TikTok continues to lead the way in creating responsible, empowering online environments for African users. "At Spectra, we are excited to be partnering with TikTok and believe technology should enhance human wellbeing and ensure safety at every touchpoint. Our partnership with TikTok for the Summit reflects our shared vision of creating digital environments that are not only innovative, but also secure and supportive. Together, we're advancing solutions that prioritise both mental health and online safety for communities everywhere." Yusuf Akoojee, Marketing Director at Spectra. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TikTok. Additional information: Media contacts: Keagile Makgoba Head: Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa keagile.m@ Pereruan Kenana Kenya&East Africa Communications Lead Itumeleng Morule South Africa&Southern Africa Communications Lead About TikTok: TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. About Spectra: Spectra creates experiences through devices that offer timeless design, effortless sophistication, and empowering innovation. Every product in our collection is a testament to precision, style, and unparalleled functionality. From our sleek smartphones to our sophisticated watches and versatile tablets, each Spectra product balances performance with unmatched style.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A call to rethink masculinity in India: destigmatising men's mental health
June, designated as Men's Mental Health Month, offers a vital opportunity to confront a silent epidemic. In India, where cultural norms often equate masculinity with stoicism, men's mental health remains shrouded in stigma, under-discussed and under-addressed. The statistics are sobering: according to the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), nearly 15% of Indian adults face mental health challenges, with men disproportionately affected by issues like substance abuse and suicide. Globally, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, as per World Health Organization (WHO) data. Yet, societal expectations—rooted in phrases like 'mard ko dard nahi hota' (men don't feel pain)—continue to stifle conversations about men's emotional struggles. The weight of expectations From boyhood, men are conditioned to embody strength, suppress vulnerability, and prioritise provision over self-care. In India, these expectations are amplified by a patriarchal framework that places men as breadwinners and protectors, often at the cost of their emotional well-being. Take Arjun*, a 32-year-old IT professional from Bengaluru, whose story mirrors countless others. After losing his job during a tech layoff in 2023, Arjun grappled with anxiety and sleeplessness. 'I couldn't tell my family,' he shared in a session. 'They depended on me. Admitting I was struggling felt like failing as a man.' Arjun's silence is emblematic of a broader issue: men are taught that emotional expression is weakness, leaving them to internalise pain. Economic pressures exacerbate this. India's rapid urbanisation and competitive job markets pile stress on men, particularly in metro cities where financial stability is equated with self-worth. Social media posts by young men anonymously venting about burnout abound, with hashtags like #MenToo and #MentalHealthMatters. Yet, these digital cries often don't translate into real-world support. Cultural narratives—bolstered by Bollywood's hyper-masculine heroes—reinforce the idea that men must 'tough it out,' whether facing workplace stress, relationship breakdowns, or personal loss. The stigma barrier Stigma is the biggest roadblock to men seeking mental health support. In rural areas, where mental health literacy is low, men are often dismissed as 'weak' or labeled with derogatory terms if they express emotional distress. Urban India fares little better; therapy is still seen as a luxury or a sign of failure. The lack of accessible mental health infrastructure doesn't help. India has just 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, as per WHO, and mental health services are concentrated in urban centres. For men in tier-2 cities or rural areas, seeking help often means navigating long distances or unaffordable private care. Moreover, mental health campaigns in India rarely target men specifically, focusing instead on women or children. This gap leaves men's issues—like workplace stress, loneliness, or trauma from societal expectations—largely unaddressed. The suicide crisis The most alarming consequence of this neglect is the rising male suicide rate. In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau reported 1.7 lakh suicides in India, with men accounting for nearly 72%. Young men aged 18-30, grappling with unemployment, academic pressure, or relationship issues, are particularly vulnerable. Men's reluctance to seek help, compounds this crisis. Unlike women, who are more likely to confide in friends or family, men often lack safe spaces for emotional expression. Traditional male friendships in India revolve around banter or shared activities, rarely delving into personal struggles. This isolation drives men toward maladaptive coping mechanisms—alcohol, substance abuse, or aggression. The WHO notes that men in India are twice as likely as women to develop alcohol dependence, often as a response to unaddressed stress. Pathways to change Breaking this cycle demands a multi-pronged approach, starting with dismantling stereotypes. Media plays a crucial role here. Recent movies have normalised therapy, but we need more narratives showcasing men embracing vulnerability. Male voices on social media platforms are already challenging norms by sharing stories of therapy or burnout. Campaigns like 'Movember', which focus on men's health, could gain traction in India with localised efforts, encouraging men to share their vulnerabilities, and address mental health challenges. Education is another cornerstone. Schools must integrate emotional literacy into curricula, teaching boys that vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Community-level initiatives, like men's support groups in villages or workplaces, can create safe spaces for dialogue. Efforts are on in the private sector to offer gender-sensitive mental health programmes for men. Scaling such efforts requires government backing—perhaps through dedicated men's mental health policies or subsidised counselling services. Workplaces, too, must step up. Corporate India's high-pressure environments often glorify overwork, particularly for men. Companies have introduced employee wellness programmes, but these need to explicitly address men's mental health, offering confidential counselling or stress management workshops. Normalising mental health days—akin to sick leave—could reduce burnout. Finally, families play a pivotal role. Encouraging open communication, where men feel safe discussing fears or failures, can bridge the emotional gap. Women, as partners or mothers, can challenge traditional expectations by validating men's emotions rather than dismissing them. A call to action Men's Mental Health Month is more than a calendar event; it is a call to rethink masculinity in India. By fostering a culture where men can express pain without shame, we not only save lives but also build stronger communities. This requires collective effort—from policymakers funding mental health services to individuals challenging stereotypes in daily conversations. Let us strive to create a world where that is true for every man. The path forward isn't easy, but it is urgent. Let us break the silence, one story at a time. *Name changed to protect privacy (Dr. Alok Kulkarni is a senior consultant and interventional psychiatrist at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hubli, Karnataka. alokvkulkarni@
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'I don't want to live anymore': Pune techie dies by suicide from 21st floor, leaves heartbreaking note
Pune techie dies by suicide from 21st floor, leaves heartbreaking note In a deeply distressing incident that has sent shockwaves through Pune's bustling IT hub of Hinjawadi, a 25-year-old software professional named Abhilasha Bhausaheb Kothimbhire died by suicide after jumping from the 21st floor of a high-rise residential building. The event took place on May 31, 2025, and an Accidental Death Report (ADR) was registered on June 4, according to officials from the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Station. The tragedy is not only a personal loss to her loved ones but also raises urgent questions about the mental health challenges faced by young professionals in India's tech industry. Abhilasha left behind a heartbreaking suicide note, stating, 'I'm done living. I don't want to live anymore,' and apologized to her parents and friends for the decision she had made. Her story is a grim reminder that behind the gleaming campuses and lucrative salaries of India's booming IT sector, thousands of young employees silently battle immense psychological stress, burnout, and isolation. Tragedy in Pune: Techie ends life with chilling note According to police reports and preliminary investigations, on May 31, at around 4:30 a.m., Abhilasha Kothimbhire arrived at the Crown Green Society in Pune's Hinjawadi area. She proceeded to visit a friend who lived on the 21st floor of the building and jumper from there. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo A suicide note was recovered by the police, wherein she expressed her emotional exhaustion and apologized to those close to her. An Accidental Death Report (ADR) was filed by Pimpri Chinchwad police on June 5, officially documenting the circumstances surrounding her death. Social media reaction: A wave of grief and concern Abhilasha's death sparked a wave of reaction on X (formerly Twitter), with the hashtag #RIPAbhilasha and #MentalHealthMatters trending in Pune and Mumbai. Several users posted about the need for redefining hustle culture, sharing their own experiences with burnout and suicidal thoughts. 'A 25-year-old with a future ahead ended it all because she couldn't take it anymore. Shame on our toxic work culture,' wrote one user. 'RIP Abhilasha. We need to start talking more openly about mental health in tech ,' posted another. Also read | Elon Musk swears by this '5-minute rule' and it could guarantee your success too
