On the occasion of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, the Mayotte Hospital Center organized a conference on October 7 to explore the role of the arts in mental health care, including workshops centered on storytelling. The theme for the week was "For our mental health, let us open up to the arts," with conferences, exchanges, and artistic practices offering new perspectives on mental health discussions. The event aimed to highlight creative approaches to supporting emotional well-being and fostering communication among children and adolescents. Among the practices highlighted was Halé Halélé, the oral storytelling tradition, used with children and adolescents in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centers (CMPEA). Professionals in child psychiatry noted that when children struggle to articulate their feelings, art can serve as a bridge for expression. Fardi Madi, known as "Papa Fardi," a comedian and storyteller with Nimbe Animation, emphasized the importance of collaboration with psychologists to help individuals experiencing mental distress find their voice. He explained that expressing oneself is not always easy, but as workshops progress, young people gain confidence and begin to share their experiences and emotions. One of the creations from these workshops was The Reserve of the Makis, a story imagined by the young participants. The narrative explores the plight of makis, animals in Mayotte, who are forced to find new ways to communicate with humans after losing their habitat. In the end, humans agree to create a natural reserve for the makis. Fardi Madi noted that the story resonated with the young people, reflecting a universal question about understanding one's feelings and finding a place in society. Storytelling was also used as a tool to connect with familiar cultural references. Traditional stories from Mayotte and the surrounding region, including those involving djinns or spirits, were incorporated to help young people feel more at ease. Virginie Briard, a child psychiatrist at the Mayotte Hospital Center, explained that care is provided in multiple languages, including French, Shimaore, and Kibushi, allowing children and families to express themselves comfortably. She noted that different forms of artistic expression, such as drawing, pottery, and modeling, are used to help children represent their inner experiences. The demand for mental health services in Mayotte is increasing, with approximately 650 children receiving care last year. With the opening of new structures in 2026, care is now available across three different territories, with services offered from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the week. Waiting lists have grown, with some families seeking help directly upon detecting distress in their children, while others are referred by the National Education system, Child Protection Services (ASE), or the PMI. Common issues include developmental disorders, such as language or learning delays, and psychotraumas leading to sleep or aggression disorders, as well as situations involving suicide attempts.