Strength in unity: A thematic content analysis inquiry on Nigerien MH providers' challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, Niger

Collective documents encapsulate records stemming from collective narrative practices, weaving together individual stories to address trauma and challenges. These documents manifest as narrative letters, certificates, and story genealogies, aiming to tangibly record emerging collective narratives. Their primary purpose is to facilitate reflection, recognizing skills, resources, and fostering a connection to co-constructed stories. In our work, we present a collective document authored by mental health practitioners in Niamey, Niger. After transcribing and translating in English the audio recorded narrative discussions, key themes emerged from Thematic Content Analysis: challenges with medical professionals' unfamiliarity with psychological sciences, community resistance to psychological professions, daily struggles amid economic and environmental challenges, and the dangers of war and violence. These themes were approached through traditional values such as patience, resilience, and family support. This document serves as an initiative to introduce decolonial dialogues in mental health practices, amplifying marginalized voices and challenging colonial narratives that historically suppressed local voices. It underscores a commitment to dismantling colonial influences within mental health paradigms, respecting local cultural heritages as integral to healing. Acknowledging the resilience and resistance of Nigerien practitioners against colonial power structures, the aim is to promote transformative change through collective narrative methodologies. This approach fosters diverse, antioppressive, and mutualistic mental health practices. Keywords: Collective narratives, decolonial mental health, mental health providers