TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, today announced the launch of its week-long #MentalHealthAwareness campaign in Singapore. Till 16 September, the platform will be rolling out a series of global livestreams as part of its ongoing efforts to invest in its community's mental well-being, a need made all the more acute by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly revealed a need for more mental health support, with an increase in people reported experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety in Singapore.
Yet, despite more people looking to seek professional help over the past year – with even more turning to TikTok to share their stories, solutions and support via hashtags like #mentalhealthawareness and #wellbeing – the stigma attached to mental health still prevails.
The week of activities on TikTok invites Singaporeans to engage openly and bravely with important mental well-being issues via specially curated LIVEs in partnership with local non-profit organisations, independent experts and TikTok Youth For Good creators.
"People need more than static pages for help; they need avenues to feel heard, and platforms that are safe for their self expression," shared Mr. Jamin Tan, Head of Regional Product Policy, Trust & Safety, APAC at TikTok. "We are inspired by how our community in Singapore has truly opened up a conversation about mental health, sharing and uniting others through their own inspiring stories. That is why we are pleased to be working with industry experts and mental health advocates in our efforts to raise #MentalHealthAwareness. We care deeply about our community, and will always look for new ways in which we can help to nurture their well-being."
Tune in to local conversations on #MentalHealthAwareness
Singaporeans can tune in LIVE on TikTok throughout the week for thought-provoking conversations around mental health and wellness.
Local non-profit organisation Mental ACT will go LIVE at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, 13 September to discuss ways in which people can take charge and ownership of their mental health.
On Wednesday, 15 September, beginning at 8:00 p.m. SGT, TikTok's Head of Regional Policy, Trust & Safety (APAC), Mr. Jamin Tan will be joined by Ms. Seah Yang Hee, Deputy CEO and Group Director (Service Planning & Funding) in the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), non-profit partner Limitless, and TikTok wellness creators Ms. Yanni Ruth and Ms. Nur Hidayah Azman.
They will be sharing how improving mental health starts with a conversation, discussing their lived experiences and how we can, collectively, help make sure that quality mental health care is available to everyone who needs it.
Users can tune in live at @tiktoksg to join the conversations. With TikTok's new LIVE Events feature, users can easily discover, register, get notifications and receive a reminder when the LIVE is about to start, directly in-app.
TikTok is committed to building a safe space for these important conversations. The platform first introduced #MentalHealthAwareness globally to mark this year's Mental Health Awareness Week from 10 to 16 May 2021.
Working together with various local non-profit organisations, TikTok rolled out a series of special LIVEs and launched Youth for Good - an 8-week specialised youth training programme to equip Singaporean youths with the tools, resources and the platform to creatively educate their peers about mental and cyber wellness.
As part of its TikTok for Good efforts, TikTok will continue to engage more counsellors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists to join its growing mental health support ecosystem, enabling users to safely share their personal struggles and recovery journeys, find communities of support and break down the walls of social stigma.
Help is available on TikTok. If you are having a difficult time, or if you are concerned about the well-being of a friend or family member, please consider reaching out to a trusted adult, contacting a local support group, or seeking professional help.