‘Better Together’: TikTok Breaking Stigma Over Mental Health

News Desk

Islamabad: On World Mental Health Day (10 October) and beyond, TikTok celebrated the resilience and courage of its users, reinforcing the message that we are ‘Better Together’ when we prioritize mental well-being.

Pakistan’s TikTok community is breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing impactful stories and valuable resources. Throughout October, TikTok invites its global community to participate in the #MentalHealthAwareness: ‘Better Together’ campaign, sharing stories and well-being journeys.

A global in-app survey revealed that 63 percent of Pakistani TikTok users find a sense of belonging on the platform, aligning with the global sentiment.

In collaboration with Ola Doc and the Digital Rights Foundation, TikTok has curated helplines accessible year-round on its platform in Pakistan, which can be accessed at the new Mental Health Awareness Hub, which serves as a digital wellness resource center.

TikTok has collaborated with mission-driven organizations worldwide and notably sponsored the Rare Impact Fund Benefit with a generous $250,000 donation. It held an event on October 4which successfully raised funds to highlight the importance of expanding access to mental health services and education for youth worldwide.

Moreover, TikTok is continuously working with creators and organizations like Zindagi Trust, Shifa International, House of Wellness, and others to create awareness of mental health, talking about ways to combat depression and remain safe online.

The DASTAK Women’s Rights and Awareness Foundation has found TikTok to be a fresh and creative channel to raise awareness and educate users on pivotal mental health issues and sexual and gender-based violence, allowing them to break societal stigma and address these interconnections in a more profound manner.

DASTAK Executive Director Hira Amjad stated that TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for promoting mental health awareness with its commitment to fostering a supportive community. We look forward to nurturing this partnership for a sustainable and violence-free Pakistan, she added.

House of Wellness Founder Dr Yasir Masood Afaq said that TikTok’s massive outreach will go a long way toward creating an enabling mental health ecosystem. APP