A safe space to speak.
As medical students navigate through the intense pressure of academic life, emotional well-being often takes a back seat. In response to this growing concern, the SCOPH committee of Associa-Med joined forces with Interlinks to launch Break The Silence (BTS), a mental health-focused initiative.
Throughout February and March 2024, a series of listening cells were conducted within the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, creating safe, confidential, and non-judgmental spaces for students to speak freely about their emotions, struggles, and psychological burdens.
The initiative kicked off with an introductory event on November 20th, 2023, where students learned more about Interlinks. This was followed by a presentation of their new mobile application, highlighting its remote therapeutic follow-up features.
The listening cells, led by professional psychologists from Interlinks in collaboration on the “PsyQuilibre” project, covered various themes:
- The first session was held on February 5th, 2024, offering an opportunity to express bottled-up feelings.
- Another session took place on February 7th, 2024, focusing on Procrastination and Time Management, Anxiety Management, and Emotion Management.
- A subsequent session was also held on March 8th, 2024, addressing Depression Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Lack of Motivation.
Additionally, thanks to the Interlinks app, Medical students gained access to:
- Psychoeducational content
- Online booking for mental health consultations
- Regular updates and tools to manage stress and anxiety
The impact of BTS was palpable, not only in terms of participation but also in the emotional relief and connection it provided. It reminded us all that “It’s okay not to be okay”, and that seeking help is not a weakness but an act of courage.
SCOPH remains committed to breaking the stigma around mental health and will continue to create spaces that support emotional resilience and self-expression.
Stay tuned for future editions, and remember:
You’re never alone. Let’s continue to Break The Silence.
