On March 15, 2024, the mental health department of CUAS organized an educational activity at Lycée National de Camp Coq to address the importance of mental health, particularly in relation to the effects of the socio-economic and political crisis on students. This event brought together students from the humanities classes (NSI, NSII, NSIII and NSIV), aged 14 to 24 years, with a total participation of 69 students, including 44 girls and 25 boys.
A mental health expert explains key concepts and the importance of mental health.
Context and Objectives of the Activity
Due to widespread insecurity, political instability, economic precariousness, and growing despair among young people, this activity aimed to raise awareness among students about the impact of the crisis on their mental health. According to the school principal, these challenges have resulted in a significant decline in academic performance and an alarming increase in school dropout cases.
Activity Implementation
The event took place in two sessions of two hours each. The first session was dedicated to students in NSIII and NSIV, while the second involved students in NSI and NSII. The main topics covered during these sessions included:
- Testimonies from students about the impact of the crisis on their daily lives.
- Definition and importance of mental health.
- Explanation of Abraham Maslow's pyramid of needs.
- Discussion on the psychosomatic and somatopsychic relationships of the crisis.
- Identification of possible psychological disorders (post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, etc.).
- Differentiation between psychological disorders and psychological problems.
- Stress management techniques during times of crisis.
- Role of the social environment in mental well-being.
- Question-and-answer session and interactive discussions.
Activity Location
The event took place at Lycée National de Camp Coq, an institution serving from 7th grade through secondary completion. This modern building, inaugurated by the Digicel Foundation in 2021, provided an ideal setting for this educational activity.
Organization and Reactions
The activity was made possible through geolocation initiatives by the mental health department of CUAS, followed by communication with the institution's leadership to plan the event. The active participation and engagement of students, as well as the support of the administration, were remarkable. At the end of the session, participants and members of the administration expressed their gratitude and requested that another session be held next month.
Rationale for the Initiative
This initiative aimed to address the impact of the crisis on students' mental health, a critical issue in the current context. Young people, particularly vulnerable, need moral and emotional support, as well as coping strategies to navigate these difficult times. The goal was to improve students' knowledge and awareness of the effects of the crisis on their mental health, and to provide them with tools to better manage their stress and emotions.
Conclusion and Next Steps
This activity contributed to ACCES-Santé's mission by improving the delivery of mental health services in the community, particularly for students living with psychological trauma and psychological problems. It also strengthened relationships with the institution and increased visibility of the clinic.
The next step will be to organize screening for psychological disorders within the institution, followed by another training session. The goal is to continue supporting students and promoting mental health in the community.
