Art exhibition highlights mental health through creativity

On Thursday, October 15, the Mutual Aid Groups (GEM) of Mayotte presented the work of their members at the Place de la République in Mamoudzou. The exhibition featured artistic creations like hand-sewn bags, wool works, paintings, and drawings, all reflecting personal stories, emotions, and life journeys of individuals supported by the GEM.

GEM supports mental health through social engagement

The GEM supports individuals facing psychological challenges, including distress, trauma, or more significant disorders. Their role is to promote exchanges, rebuild social ties, and help members regain autonomy, though they do not replace psychiatric care and serve as a complement to it, especially in helping individuals come out of isolation.

Young artist shares his journey through drawing

Among the participants was Aleg, 22 years old, supported by the GEM Ouvoimoja Wa Autisme de Cavani et Passamaïnty. He has been drawing since the CM2 and uses his art to express a range of emotions, including joy, sadness, and surprise. A member of the GEM since 2019, he described the group as a safe and comfortable place for him.

Creative workshops foster skill development

The GEM Réussite, led by Mlézi Maoré, involved members in sewing, knitting, painting, and clay. Members created these artworks after sessions with professionals who taught them techniques and skills. Milca Baou, coordinator of the program, noted that the members themselves now produce their creations and are ready to pass on their knowledge to others.

Social interactions build trust and community

Joceline Bacar, a social animator, explained that collective exchanges, individual meetings, and outings help establish trusting relationships, which are essential for the members. She noted that while medication can help, sometimes all a person needs is to talk. The goal is to enable members to reconnect with others, share experiences, and regain a place in society.

Challenges in mental health support remain

The GEM face challenges due to the limited existing structures. They are intended for people whose mental state is stabilized, but they sometimes welcome those who still need significant support due to insufficient solutions on the territory. Daniati Halidi, coordinator of the GEM Ouvoimoja Wa Autisme de Passamaïnty and Cavani, highlighted the importance of awareness in a department where mental health remains a taboo subject.

Mental health remains a sensitive topic in Mayotte

Mental health remains a sensitive topic in Mayotte, with many people reluctant to discuss it openly. Halidi emphasized that mental health affects everyone and is not solely a psychiatric issue. She noted that events like the one in Chido have impacted many people, underscoring the need for better recognition of mental health needs and appropriate resources for the structures involved.

Access to care remains a complex issue

Supporting people with mental distress who wander the streets of Mayotte remains challenging due to difficulties in accessing care and a lack of adapted structures. Associations cannot impose care on individuals who do not accept it, and some situations require the intervention of local authorities and state services within the legal framework.