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Morocco

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. 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)
  1. 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.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 19 (Police), 15 (Ambulance)
    • Notes: National emergency numbers, but mental health-related emergencies are often underprioritized.
  1. 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.
Suicide Prevention in Morocco

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are reportedly higher in rural areas due to economic hardship, limited mental health services, and traditional stigma.
  1. 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

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Santé Mentale Pour Tous” (“Mental Health for All”) campaign aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
  1. 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.
  1. 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

  1. Morocco Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health Strategy and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.ma/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Morocco – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. CHU Ibn Rochd University Hospital. (n.d.). Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention Services in Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.chuibnrochd.ma/
  5. UNICEF Morocco. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Well-being Programs in Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/morocco/