Let's talk about that, and we're also sharing some tips on how to avoid getting blocked on Facebook!
With the ongoing issues concerning COVID19, many restrictions regarding health are also resurfacing, especially on Facebook.
But the big question is: "Does Facebook restrict mental health posts?"
Well, let's break it down ...
Last year, Facebook announced a new emotional health resource centre to raise awareness and provide helpful resources to those in need around the world. They've teamed up with leading US authorities like NAMI, Kids Help Phone (US) and Kids Helpline (AUS), and It's OK to Talk (AUS) to help and give support in the critical areas of mental health, including handling financial stress, parenting support, coping with loss and grief, managing substance use and taking care of overall emotional health.
"Today we're introducing Emotional Health, a centralised resource centre on the Facebook app with tips and information from leading experts," via Facebook Newsroom. (Zuckerberg Oct. 2020)
If Facebook is openly giving out information about mental health or health in general on their app, then it's safe to say that they don't want their users to get health information from authoritative sources which could give out fake/false news. Facebook will also restrict or block any post if it seems suspicious or abusive to the platform's security system.
In addition to that, on Facebook's COVID19 Community Standards updates and protections, it states that: "We're working to remove content that has the potential to contribute to real-world harm, including through our policies prohibiting the coordination of harm, the sale of medical masks and related goods, hate speech, bullying and harassment, and misinformation that contributes to the risk of imminent violence or physical harm."
Facebook limits expressions based on these values:
- Authenticity
- Safety
- Privacy
- Dignity
So, if one of your posts gets removed or hidden from your feed, then that only means you've violated one or two of the values mentioned above.
Facebook also announced in September last year that they would limit the spread of groups that focus on giving users health advices. This is because in the past, there were closed groups that spread misinformation about vaccines and COVID19 - Facebook hates that, especially during these trying times! This affected a number of our clients in the health industry, whether they were Western or Eastern style of health that they were promoting.
PRIVACY:
Did you also know that Facebook is very particular with its privacy policy? YES!! Facebook is working hard to remove content that shares, offers or solicits personally identifiable information or other private information that may lead to physical or financial harm, including but not limited to financial, residential and MEDICAL INFORMATION, as well as private information obtained from illegal sources.
To avoid getting blocked or restricted on Facebook, you can:
- Revisit Facebook's Community Standards to see which type of posts are allowed on the platform.
- Only message people you already know.
- Only send friend requests to people you know.
- Shy away from posting health advices or similar to that.
Mental Health support in Australia.
Here are a couple of Australian mental-health supports for you;
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Head to Health - Covid 19 support