Stigmatization of young people with mental health issues is a global phenomenon that significantly hinders help-seeking behaviors, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life. Tunisian youth are no exception, as cultural and societal attitudes contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health. Addressing these issues requires educational initiatives that are culturally tailored to both the public and professionals within school and university settings. Therefore, stigma reduction and awareness campaigns are essential for improving access to early intervention and care.

To combat these challenges, the Clinical High-Risk Program (CHiRP) at Razi Hospital organized two Mental Health Awareness Days on November 27, 2024, at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Tunis and on February 19, 2025, at the Tunisian Business School The events aimed to:

• Raise awareness about mental health issues
• Reduce stigma associated with mental illness
• Promote early intervention among university students

A media campaign, “Psybettounsi,” was launched on Instagram and Facebook prior to the events, engaging the audience through posts and interactive stories.

Morning Session (Campus Courtyard):

• Five theme-based informational stands, each focusing on a different mental health condition
• Distribution of informational flyers and interactive quizzes with awards for top scorers

Afternoon Session (Campus Auditorium):

• Talks by medical professionals and social media influencers covering biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental illness and emerging theories such as epigenetics
• Myth-debunking activities to challenge common misconceptions
• A recovery story shared by a social media influencer, emphasizing hope and resilience

The event concluded with information on CHiRP’s mental health services and available care pathways.

The initiative effectively addressed mental health stigma among Tunisian youth by combining cultural sensitivity, professional expertise, and innovative digital outreach strategies. The social media campaign, amplified by influencers, significantly increased engagement and broadened the event's reach.

• On-campus activities facilitated meaningful dialogue between participants and mental health professionals.
• Myth-busting activities and personal recovery stories were crucial in challenging cultural misconceptions and promoting a scientific understanding of mental health.

Looking ahead, the program should expand within educational systems, including schools and universities, with the ultimate goal of reaching a national scale. This would involve training educators and primary care providers to recognize early signs of mental health issues.