Instagram launches 'Helpline' to help people at suicide risk

New Delhi: Photo sharing website Instagram on Thursday launched new tools to support people struggling with self-injury or suicidal thoughts globally, including in India.

The tools, that offer options such as talk to a friend or contact a helpline, provide critical resources for people who may be thinking about self-injury.

Users observing threat of suicide or self-injury can contact on emergency services along with other options to reach out to the person.

"We worked with mental health organisations, primarily `Forefront` led by researchers at University of Washington, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and Dr Nancy Zucker, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University," Instagram said in a statement.

Other organisations including The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Save.org (US), Samaritans (UK) and beyondblue and headspace (Australia) provided valuable input.

"We also consulted with people with real-life experience with self-injury or suicide," the statement added.

Instagram has also partnered with over 40 helpline organisations around the world to support people associated with self-injury or suicidal tendency.

In addition, if someone searches for a hashtag associated with self-injury, Instagram offers support options before they are able to view the content.