BANGKOK, Thailand - On 3 October 2023, The Nook by Love Frankie, a community-driven social enterprise that provides a safe space for those seeking mental health support and resources, launched a new campaign called "What's This Feeling?" (#WTFeeling) in partnership with the United Nations (UN) Thailand, World Health Organization (WHO) Thailand, and the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health Thailand (MoPH). It was attended by about 40 members of the press and interested public. The event was held in Bangkok ahead of the WHO's World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The campaign aims to address and provide an online safe space in response to the increasing mental health issues among Thai youth, as about eight in ten Thais have experienced mental health issues worsened by the aftermath of COVID-19. Dr. Terdsak Detkong, Director of the Office of International Affairs, Department of Mental Health, MoPH, shared that Thai youths (under 20 years old) are 4-5 times more vulnerable than the general population to the risk of stress, depression, suicide, and burnout.
Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Medical Officer for Non-Communicable Disease, WHO Thailand, reinforced the global view that mental health is a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves the highest possible attainable standard of both physical and mental health well-being.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Amornthep Sachamuneewongse, the CEO and founder of Sati App, launched a free smartphone application offering on-demand listening services. This digital social enterprise is part of his innovative approach to leverage technology and digital platforms in supporting mental health education. Mr Amornthep shared valuable insights gained from the app’s role in enhancing mental health awareness among young Thais.
To further advance the campaign’s aim, The Nook will show a vodcast series hosted by Thai famous psychotherapist and artist Pataradanai (Koen) Setsuwan on World Mental Health Day. This series is a pivotal element of the campaign's strategy to encourage open conversations about mental health, aiming to tackle associated stigmas and provide support to those in need.
(L-R) Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Ms. Sorracha Soponnitid, Dr. Terdsak Detkong, and Mr. Amornthep Sachamuneewongse discuss Thai youth mental health at the "What's This Feeling?" launch. Pataradanai (Koen) Setsuwan introduces a vodcast for mental health support. © Love Frankie 2023
The partnership among the UN, WHO, MoPH, and Love Frankie is designed to combine resources and expertise. Each organization plays a specific role, contributing to a comprehensive approach to address the mental health concerns of Thai youth communities.
"WHO is committed to addressing youth mental health, working with the UN and other partners, to improve access to services without discrimination, combat stigma, reduce risk behaviours through evidence-based guidelines and tools," said Dr. Olivia.