Microblogging platform Twitter will spearhead online discussions about mental health and issues on suicide prevention amid the global observance of the World Suicide Prevention Day this week.
An exclusive virtual 280-character panel discussion will be launched on Friday consisting of advocacy groups and organizations in the country to discuss mental health and share professional insights on the platform.
The discussion is slated from 4 to 5 p.m. and it would be moderated by mental health advocate and #HealthXPH co-founder Dr. Gia Sison.
The panelists include social media advocacy group MentalHealth PH, advocacy group and independent publication Silakbo PH, the National Center For Mental Health Crisis Hotline and the World Health Organization Philippines.
JOIN US this Sep 11 from 4-5PM together w/ @giasison, @SilakboPH, @ncmhhotline, @DoctorJas in a 280-character panel discussion on #WSPD.
We’ll discuss & share issues around suicide, mental health, & how we can help. Tweet w/ #MayKaramayKa & we'll answer during the discussion! pic.twitter.com/RFqGy50c98— MentalHealthPH (@mentalhealthph) September 9, 2020
Filipinos can send in their questions through tweets with hashtag #MayKaramayKa. It will be answered during the panel discussion on Friday.
A special emoji will also be launched with the hashtags “#WorldSuicidePreventionDay,” “#SuicidePrevention,” “#WSPD2020,” “#WSPD” and “#MayKaramayKa.”
The platform likewise enables people to have accessible mental health resources through the “#ThereIsHelp” notification service prompt where users are directed to hotlines whenever they search keywords related to suicide or self-harm.
The World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10. It seeks “to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented,” according to WHO.
It is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention which is dedicated to preventing suicide and suicidal behavior, alleviating its effects, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.
Last month, two mental health groups in the Philippines stepped up by providing online consultations to Filipinos following reports on the rise of suicide incidents in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
READ: Mental health groups offer online consultations as suicide rates spike through pandemic
The initiative came after Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra informed reporters that government officials had sought the help of religious leaders in providing counsel to Filipinos experiencing mental health struggles amid the public health crisis.
