Mental health remains a pressing issue in Morocco, with youth and professionals often finding themselves unable to access resources or speak openly about their struggles due to societal stigma. The cultural landscape still treats mental health topics with silence or misunderstanding, leading to a lack of public discourse and practical support systems. As a result, many young people face challenges such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts without adequate assistance, further perpetuating the cycle of mental health neglect. Glissa Binatna aims to confront this issue by promoting mental health awareness, education, and creating safe spaces for open dialogue.

Glissa Binatna focuses primarily on young adults (aged 18-35), a demographic that includes students, early-career professionals, and individuals transitioning into adulthood. The majority of the project's participants are university students and professionals from various fields, including healthcare, technology, education, and business. Many within this group are either experiencing mental health challenges firsthand or are in environments where mental health awareness is minimal. By targeting this population, Glissa Binatna aims to foster awareness, provide resources, and normalize discussions about mental well-being.

In addition to young adults, the project also seeks to engage educators, healthcare workers, and community leaders who can act as advocates for mental health awareness within their respective fields. This broader engagement ensures that the conversation around mental health extends beyond the immediate target group and reaches different parts of society.

In response to the mental health challenges facing Moroccan youth, Glissa Binatna offers a multi-faceted solution involving educational workshops, awareness campaigns, and open dialogues. The project is designed to break down the barriers that prevent discussions about mental health by providing accessible, non-judgmental spaces where participants can learn, share, and grow.

The approach includes:

1. Workshops: Offering interactive, in-person, and virtual workshops on essential mental health topics. Each workshop is led by professionals in the field and is designed to not only educate participants but also provide practical tools for managing mental health. Examples include workshops on understanding neurotransmitters, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness practices.

2. Awareness Campaigns: Social media campaigns that spread awareness about specific mental health issues, such as suicide prevention, depression, and self-care. These campaigns are designed to educate a broader audience while encouraging individuals to share their own experiences.

3. Virtual Meetings: Hosting virtual meetings, such as Zoom sessions, with mental health experts to address key issues like suicide prevention, anxiety management, and resilience. These meetings offer a more intimate platform for open discussions and personalized advice.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships: Working with other organizations such as JCI Rabat and GS Rabat to expand the reach of mental health programming and ensure that different voices and perspectives are represented in the project’s efforts.

The specific activities of Glissa Binatna are organized to systematically address the gaps in mental health awareness and support. These activities are a blend of educational programs, open forums, and awareness campaigns designed to directly engage the target group and provide ongoing support.

• Workshops:

  • "Understanding D.O.S.E.: How Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins Impact Our Mental Well-Being": A September 2024 workshop that provided insights into the role of neurotransmitters in regulating emotions and mental health. Led by life coach Yassine Kossale, it was attended by 30 participants who gained valuable knowledge on improving their mental well-being.

  • "Resilience and Mindfulness": A future workshop planned for October 2024 aimed at teaching participants how to cultivate resilience in their personal and professional lives through mindfulness techniques.

  • "Emotional Intelligence": A February 2025 workshop designed to help participants develop the skills to recognize and manage their emotions and the emotions of others.

  • "Goal Setting and Motivation": A January 2025 workshop focusing on how to set and achieve personal goals, particularly in the context of maintaining mental health and well-being.

  • "Spring Cleaning for the Mind": Scheduled for March 2025, this workshop will focus on strategies to declutter mental stress and foster a clearer, healthier mindset.

• Awareness Campaigns:

  • International Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2024): A social media campaign that highlighted the importance of suicide prevention and shared resources for those in need of support.

  • Dare to Share Campaign: An ongoing campaign that encourages individuals to share their mental health experiences, helping to break the silence and stigma around mental health struggles in Morocco.

  • Weekly Posts: Every Tuesday, the team shares educational posts on social media addressing a variety of mental health topics, such as managing anxiety, understanding the effects of stress, and practicing self-care.

• Panels and Seminars:

  • "Inner-Child Between the Past, Present, and Future": A panel scheduled for October 2024, co-hosted with JCI Rabat and GS Rabat, that will explore the psychological impact of childhood experiences on adult mental health.

  • Mental Health Seminar: Planned for November 2024, this seminar will provide an in-depth exploration of mental health topics, featuring experts from different sectors.

• Virtual Meetings:

  • Zoom Meeting on Suicide Prevention (18 September 2024): Titled "Breaking the Silence: Recognizing the Signs and Supporting Those Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts," this session was led by psychologist Sami Chakour and focused on recognizing the warning signs of suicide and offering support to those in need.

  • Zoom Meeting on Depression (26 October 2024): A meeting focused on understanding depression, its symptoms, and how to manage it.

• Short-Term Goals (Within 6 Months):

  • Raise awareness about mental health through workshops, campaigns, and social media posts.
  • Foster a supportive community where participants feel empowered to discuss their mental health openly.
  • Equip participants with practical tools and knowledge for managing their mental health.
  • Reach at least 500 young adults through various activities and campaigns by March 2025.

• Long-Term Goals (Beyond 6 Months):

  • Establish Glissa Binatna as a leading mental health advocacy platform in Morocco, known for its progressive approach to reducing mental health stigma.
  • Expand the project’s reach beyond Mohammedia to other cities in Morocco, forming a nationwide network of mental health support.
  • Develop partnerships with educational institutions and healthcare organizations to provide ongoing support for mental health education and care.
  • Achieve a measurable reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health issues among the target group.

• Engagement:

  • The Understanding D.O.S.E. workshop saw 82 applicants, with 30 participants attending.
  • Weekly social media posts on mental health topics have seen increased engagement, with more people commenting, sharing, and reacting to the content.
  • Virtual meetings have seen steady attendance, with participants actively engaging in discussions and seeking support.

• Impact:

  • Feedback from workshop attendees indicates that participants are gaining new insights and practical tools for managing their mental well-being.
  • Increased willingness among participants to speak openly about their mental health challenges during events and on social media.
  • Rising participation in mental health discussions, with each event garnering more interest than the last.

• JCI Rabat: Partnering on events such as panels to broaden discussions around mental health and inner-child therapy.
• GS Rabat: Collaborating on seminars and campaigns to expand the reach of mental health initiatives.

• August 2024:

  • Project restructuring and activity planning.
  • Development of a six-month timeline with workshops, seminars, virtual meetings, and awareness campaigns.

• September 2024:

  • 7 September: Workshop - "Understanding D.O.S.E.: How Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins Impact Our Mental Well-Being."
  • 10 September: Social media post for International Suicide Prevention Day.
  • 18 September: Zoom meeting - "Breaking the Silence: Recognizing the Signs and Supporting Those Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts," with Sami Chakour.
  • Weekly educational mental health posts every Tuesday.

• October 2024:

  • 10 October: Social media post for International Mental Health Day.
  • 12 October: Panel - "Inner-Child Between the Past, Present, and Future."
  • 26 October: workshop title: ‘Managing Stress in Your Life: Understanding Its Impact on Mental Health Using Cognitive Therapy.’

• November 2024:

  • Mental health seminar (date TBD).

• December 2024:

  • 4 December: Workshop - "Nutrition and Mental Health."

• January 2025:

  • 4 January: Workshop - "Moodboards and Bullet Journals for Mental Well-Being."
  • 25 January: Workshop - "Goal Setting and Motivation."

• February 2025:

  • 8 February: Workshop - "Emotional Intelligence."