Morocco
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention hotline currently exists in Morocco.
- Alternative Support: Moroccan Society of Psychiatry – Mental Health Assistance
- Contact: +212 537 77 11 66 (santementale.ma)
- Mental Health Helpline:
- Phone Number: +212 522 25 25 25 (CHU Ibn Rochd University Hospital – Mental Health Helpline)
- Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Friday
- Additional Details: Provides psychological support for crisis intervention.
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 19 (Police), 15 (Ambulance)
- Notes: National emergency numbers, but mental health-related emergencies are often underprioritized.
- LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
- Phone Number: No officially recognized LGBTQIA+ support services due to legal and social restrictions.
- Alternative Support: Online-based peer support groups offer emotional assistance.

Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 3.9 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Morocco remain relatively low but are increasing due to economic struggles, mental health stigma, and lack of accessible psychiatric care.
Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
- Female Suicide Rate: Women experience more suicide attempts, often linked to domestic violence, social oppression, and mental health stigma.
- By Age Groups:
- Adolescents (15–24): Rising concerns due to academic stress, family expectations, and high unemployment rates.
- Elderly (60+): Suicide risk is lower than in other age groups but linked to loneliness and financial instability.
- Rural vs. Urban:
- Suicide rates are reportedly higher in rural areas due to economic hardship, limited mental health services, and traditional stigma.
- Special Groups:
- Women in Forced Marriages: Increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation.
- Migrant and Refugee Populations: Economic and legal instability contribute to mental health struggles and suicide risk.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Morocco does not have a dedicated national suicide prevention strategy, but suicide prevention is included in the National Mental Health Strategy.
- Key Elements:
- Expansion of psychiatric services in major hospitals.
- Awareness campaigns to combat stigma surrounding mental illness.
- Training primary healthcare workers in mental health and suicide prevention.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Example: “Santé Mentale Pour Tous” (“Mental Health for All”) campaign aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support: School-based programs to improve resilience and reduce suicide risk.
- Domestic Violence and Women’s Mental Health Support: NGOs offer crisis counseling for survivors of abuse.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Morocco partners with WHO, UNICEF, and regional mental health organizations to improve suicide prevention services.
Innovative Tools and Approaches
- Digital Tools:
- Social media campaigns aimed at reducing mental health stigma.
- Online counseling services are emerging as a way to provide mental health support in the absence of national hotlines.
- Community-Based Interventions:
- Suicide prevention training for educators and social workers.
- Local health centers are increasingly integrating mental health support.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Suicide is considered a taboo subject in Morocco, often linked to religious beliefs that discourage discussions about mental health.
- Many individuals seek support through religious or spiritual means rather than professional psychiatric care.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- Suicide cases are often underreported due to social stigma.
- There is limited research on suicide rates among marginalized populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Positive Developments:
- Morocco is expanding access to mental health care, particularly in urban hospitals.
- Mental health is gaining more attention in policy discussions, with increased government investment in psychological services.
References
- Morocco Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health Strategy and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.ma/
- World Bank. (2019). Morocco – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
- CHU Ibn Rochd University Hospital. (n.d.). Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention Services in Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.chuibnrochd.ma/
- UNICEF Morocco. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Well-being Programs in Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/morocco/