Facebook Messenger Stickers Encourage Mental Health Convos

Facebook wants to talk about mental health (via Facebook)

Everyone has mental health. But not everyone is comfortable talking about it publicly.

Which is why Facebook released new “Let’s Talk” filters and stickers for Stories and Messenger.

The add-ons, according to Antigone Davis, global head of safety for the social network, can act as an “invitation for friends who might be struggling to reach out for support.”

Simply open the camera in Facebook or Messenger and tap on the filter at the bottom of the screen; snap a selfie or take a photo of your favorite furry friend, then share it with a person in need.

“It takes less than a minute to show someone you care,” Davis wrote in a blog post.

You can also download the 16-sticker “Let’s Talk” pack by clicking on the smiley face in the text box of any Messenger conversation.

Each time a sticker is sent, Facebook will donate $1 to a group of mental health organizations (full list below)—up to $1 million.

Start a conversation with new ‘Let’s Talk’ filters and stickers (via Facebook)

“It’s our hope that these tools will make it easier for people to begin conversations that can lead to support,” according to Davis.

Just letting someone know you’re there for them is a great first step. But unless you are a mental health professional, the best thing you can do to support a friend is show that you care and are really listening: Express your concern, give them space to open up, and then help them find resources.

“We encourage people to look for more resources from local, state, federal, or international organizations,” the blog said.

The global groups to which Facebook is donating:

“While an online community can provide invaluable support, we know that many find it uncomfortable to share personal feelings in a broad public setting,” Davis explained. “Private messaging, on the other hand, can make it easier to talk about emotional or serious subjects.”

A Facebook survey conducted in the US, UK, and Australia found that 80 percent of people felt they could be “completely honest” in private messages, rather than public feeds.

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