The "Motanafas" campaign, launched by medical students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, continues until the end of September, with the aim of promoting the psychological well-being of the youth in Bahrain.

Mr Marwan Obaid, a student from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, stated that the campaign was conceived during a meeting that brought together several young individuals and Her Excellency Ms Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs. He explained that during this session, discussions focused on the psychological well-being of Bahraini youth and exploring sustainable ways to develop projects that support this objective.

In this context, Mr Obaid said: “Since last December, I, along with a group of medical students from the Arabian Gulf University, have been dedicated to refining the idea of this campaign. We have received invaluable support from His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fahid, President of the university, who is committed to following the campaign’s activities and ensuring its continuity to raise awareness about the significance of health and psychological well-being among the youth. This initiative is vital for equipping them to tackle life’s challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth through learning and effective community engagement." 

He highlighted that mental health is an integral aspect of overall health, particularly for the youth, given their crucial role in decision-making, relationship-building, and shaping the future. He further noted that the World Health Organisation recognises mental health as a fundamental human right due to its critical role in societal, social and economic progress, stressing that mental health encompasses more than mental disorders, as it includes a spectrum of psychological conditions and disabilities, as well as the impacts of distress and dysfunction, which could lead to potential self-harm.

Elaborating more about the campaign’s activities, he remarked: “We have witnessed remarkable engagement through our participation in the Youth City 2030 activities and approximately 15 other events. These include sessions focused on Japanese tea, relaxation, psychological stability, personal development and stress management. Another key component of our campaign involves raising awareness about anxiety, depression and the benefits of physical activity.”

Participants in these sessions included clinical psychologists such as Dr Fadhel Al Asbool, Specialist Fatima Al Dallal, and Specialist Mohammed Haji, who provided valuable advice to the youth. Additionally, the campaign collaborated with Serene Psychiatry Hospital to offer free blood pressure and diabetes screenings to beneficiaries.

Moreover, the campaign seeks to create an educational and interactive environment that fosters awareness about the importance of psychological and physical well-being for Bahraini youth. It aims to equip them with comprehensive knowledge and practical support for community engagement and psychological sessions. The initiative also encourages young people to cultivate a supportive atmosphere that promotes healthy habits and seeks early consultations from specialists available through various workshops and activities.

As for the campaign’s theme, Mr Obaid explained: “The title 'Motanafas'; the Arabic word for ‘a breather’, was selected to symbolise an outlet for both mind and body, reflecting our vision to achieve psychological well-being. The logo features a brain shaped like a leaf, illustrating the notion that feelings are natural and evolve over time with our experiences. The colours of the logo represent emotions associated with mental health, and the name is inscribed in Arabic using ‘Thuluth’ script, symbolising the depth of human emotion.”

The media aspect of the campaign includes a series of posts and videos shared across various social media platforms, starting with engaging promotions featuring “Makhookh”, a brain mascot wearing traditional Bahraini attire, designed to connect with mental health themes. This was followed by the dissemination of scientific content and public interviews aimed at fostering dialogue on mental health, contributing to the campaign’s visibility and engagement.

The campaign will extend throughout September, incorporating events, workshops, competitions, challenges and sports activities designed to motivate, alleviate stress, and enhance the overall well-being of Bahraini youth.