In an era where mental health challenges are rapidly rising among the youth of Bangladesh, a young changemaker, Md Faysal Kana, has stepped up to combat this silent epidemic. Through his mental health organization, Talk Hope, Faysal and his dedicated team are bringing awareness, support, and counseling to thousands of young individuals who often suffer in silence.
The Birth of Talk Hope
Founded on February 29, 2024, Talk Hope emerged from a personal realization that the youth of Bangladesh desperately need a safe space to talk about their mental struggles. Md Faysal Kana, having worked closely with young people, observed that many were battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts without access to support or even understanding from society.
“Too many young people are silently drowning in pain because they think no one will understand or listen. Talk Hope was created to break that silence,” said Faysal.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
The mission of Talk Hope is simple yet powerful: to build a mentally healthy youth population in Bangladesh through awareness, education, and accessible support. The organization’s vision is to create a stigma-free society where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health.
With this guiding philosophy, the Talk Hope team has taken mental health advocacy to schools, colleges, and universities across the country. So far, they have reached more than 30,000 students through direct sessions.
Talk For Hope seminar
What They Do
1. Awareness Programs:
Talk Hope organizes workshops, seminars, and open discussions at educational institutions. These sessions address the causes and symptoms of depression, the importance of mental health, and how to seek help. Each session is interactive, empathetic, and designed to make participants feel safe and heard.
2. Free Online Counseling:
One of the organization’s most impactful initiatives is its free online counseling service. Through their Facebook page and other digital platforms, licensed mental health professionals offer one-on-one support to those in need.
3. Social Media Engagement:
Understanding the digital habits of today’s youth, Talk Hope actively creates and shares informative content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Their posts include coping tips, motivational messages, real-life stories, and live Q&A sessions with experts.
The Team Behind Talk Hope
At the heart of the initiative is a team of mental health advocates, psychologists, and youth volunteers. One of the organization’s key figures is Dr. Mila Ismail, a clinical psychologist who regularly provides therapeutic services through Talk Hope’s online platform.
Talk Hope chief Coordinator Md faysal kanan conducting a mental health awarness session at “Talk For Hope” seminar
“Many of our young clients just need someone to talk to — someone who won’t judge them. We’re here to offer that support and guide them toward healing,” said Dr. Ismail.
From Awareness to Action
Beyond awareness, Talk Hope actively works to identify students at high risk and refers them to further professional help when needed. In some cases, their interventions have prevented suicides and helped youth get back on the path to a hopeful life.
Faysal shared the story of a 17-year-old girl who reached out during one of their school programs. “She was self-harming and had suicidal thoughts. After months of counseling, she is now back in school and even volunteers with us. This is the impact we strive for,” he said.
Dreams for the Future
Faysal’s next goal is to establish Bangladesh’s first 24/7 free mental health call center dedicated to youth. “Imagine a place where anyone, at any hour, can call and talk to a trained counselor for free. We want to build that – because mental health emergencies don’t wait for office hours,” he explained.
He also envisions setting up local mental health clubs in schools and colleges so that peer-to-peer support becomes the norm, not the exception.
Challenges on the Road
Building a movement around mental health is not without its hurdles. Stigma remains a significant barrier. Many parents and even institutions are reluctant to allow mental health discussions. There is also a lack of funding and resources.
Yet Faysal remains undeterred. “I believe that when we save one life, it’s worth more than all the challenges combined,” he says.
Community Support and Growth
Talk Hope is gaining recognition not just from youth, but also from educators, health professionals, and the broader community. Their Facebook community is growing rapidly, and collaboration offers from national and international mental health networks are starting to pour in.
“We are not stopping here. Mental health awareness is not a trend — it’s a necessity,” Faysal emphasizes.
Final Thoughts
In a society where mental illness is still whispered in shadows, Talk Hope is a beacon of light, giving voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless. Thanks to Md Faysal Kana and his team’s tireless work, thousands of young people are now realizing that they are not alone.
