ISLAMABAD: Google has introduced a new feature, "Umang Pakistan."
Google has launched "Umang Pakistan."
"Umang Pakistan," a new Google search feature, aims to provide crisis-related mental health support.
Depression and Anxiety in Pakistan
Using Google's new suicide hotline one-box feature, Pakistani searchers can immediately reach a suicide hotline at the top of the search results page.
'Umang Pakistan's helpline will now be displayed to anyone in Pakistan seeking suicide-related inquiries such as "suicide support" and "how can I commit suicide," according to a news release.
Umang, a mental health helpline recognized by the WHO, provides support to Pakistanis who are contemplating or planning suicide.
Suicide in Pakistan
Pakistan's growing suicide rate necessitated a partnership between Umang and Google.
The World Health Organization estimates that between 130k and 270k suicide attempts occur a year in Pakistan. In the meantime, the number of people searching for information on mental health issues has risen.