Recent data released by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) highlights a concerning trend of elevated suicide risk among young individuals seeking mental health assistance in Bangkok. The findings stem from an analysis of data gathered from more than 1,200 users of the DMH’s online consultation platform, “Mental Health Check In,” which was inaugurated on January 1.
Catering specifically to individuals aged 15 to 25 encountering mental health challenges, the platform extends complimentary consultations to its users. Disturbingly, statistics from its initial months indicate that 58.2% of users reported experiencing severe pressure, according to the department.
Dr. Pongkasem Khaimook, the director-general of the DMH, emphasized the critical role of these free online consultations in early detection, facilitating prompt intervention, and mitigating serious mental health issues. Under the banner of “Growing up is never easy, but you don’t have to face it alone,” the platform offers guidance from a spectrum of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and volunteer health workers. Furthermore, multiple sessions are made available for those youths necessitating ongoing support.
In a collaborative effort with the Wall of Sharing Association, the DMH spearheaded the development of the Mental Health Check In platform, with additional support from the Ooca mobile app and the National Health Security Office. The platform is slated to remain accessible until September 31, with an anticipated total user count of approximately 2,500 individuals.
For individuals seeking assistance through Mental Health Check In, the process involves downloading the Ooca app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
