The world’s most popular social media platform, TikTok, is driving the movement to raise awareness of mental health, with a particular focus on Pakistan’s thriving population. TikTok reinforces the idea that we are “Better Together” when we put mental health first by honoring the bravery and fortitude of its users on World Mental Health Day and beyond.
The TikTok community in Pakistan is actively working to combat the stigma associated with mental health by sharing powerful narratives and insightful resources. TikTok works with mission-driven organizations all across the world and, on October 4, generously donated $250,000 to sponsor the Rare Impact Fund Benefit. This event was effective in raising money and bringing attention to the significance of increasing youth access to mental health care and education on a global scale.
According to a global in-app study, 63% of TikTok users in Pakistan feel a sense of belonging there, which is consistent with the general feeling. The #MentalHealthAwareness: “Better Together” initiative, where users may share their stories and well-being journeys, will run throughout the month of October on TikTok.
Globally, hashtags with similar meanings like #MentalHealth, #SelfCare, and #MentalHealthAwareness have amassed billions of views. To date, Pakistan has seen views for the hashtags #MentalHealth, #MentalHealthAwareness, and #DigitalHifazat of 3.1+ billion, 1.9+ billion, and 194+ million, respectively.
At TikTok, we understand how critical it is to foster a welcoming and inclusive community. We are dedicated to creating a platform where people can access resources, get assistance, and share their stories because mental health is a subject that is dear to our hearts. We encourage everyone to join us in raising awareness of #MentalHealthAwareness because we firmly believe that strength comes from togetherness.
TikTok has compiled year-round helplines that are available on its platform in Pakistan, available at the new Mental Health Awareness portal, which serves as a digital wellness resource center, in conjunction with Ola Doc and the Digital Rights Foundation. In addition, TikTok keeps working with creators and groups like Zindagi Trust, Shifa International, House of Wellness, and others to promote mental health awareness while talking about ways to fight depression and stay safe online.
The founder of House of Wellness and clinical psychologist Dr. Yasir Masood Afaq stated, “TikTok is playing a crucial role in creating awareness about mental health. Due of its wide audience, TikTok will considerably aid in developing an ecosystem that supports mental wellness.
DASTAK Women’s Rights and Awareness Foundation has discovered TikTok to be a new and inventive platform for spreading awareness and educating users on important mental health concerns, as well as sexual and gender-based violence, as part of this program. This strategy breaks down social stigmas and more thoroughly addresses these connected problems.
TikTok has become a potent platform for advancing mental health awareness thanks to its dedication to cultivating a supportive community, according to Hira Amjad, Executive Director of the DASTAK Women Rights and Awareness Foundation. We look forward to developing this alliance in support of a viable and peaceful Pakistan.
TikTok is unwavering in its dedication to promoting the mental health and general well-being of its users both on and off of the platform. As we set out on a group path to better mental health, we encourage everyone to become more knowledgeable about and actively promote #MentalHealthAwareness.
