Mental resilience is a term we hear a lot. But rarely does it take on such a clear face, such a powerful voice. Following the inspiring video podcasts featuring Special Forces instructor Robert Vliegen (Fly), internationally renowned neurologist Steven Laureys and former Olympic champion Jolien D’Hoore, My Mind Premium by AG now welcomes a testimony of exceptional strength: that of Joseph Oubelkas, author and highly sought‑after speaker, who was wrongfully convicted at the age of 24.
1,637 days of wrongful imprisonment
When Joseph Oubelkas speaks about resilience, he does so from lived experience.
At the age of 24, he was wrongly convicted and spent 1,637 days in a Moroccan prison. In the video podcast, he explains how he managed to stay mentally strong in a situation where freedom, control and any sense of future had completely disappeared. What kept him going? The 400 letters his mother wrote to him during his imprisonment. They became his mental anchor, his source of hope and his lifeline during a period of profound uncertainty.
Watch the teaser of the video podcast:
The full episode is available exclusively via My Mind Premium by AG.
A story of resilience, relevant to everyone
Although Joseph endured extreme circumstances, the insights he shares are universal. In an honest and deeply moving testimony, he shows how to cope with adversity, how to stay on course when everything feels unstable, and how to keep finding meaning in situations beyond one’s control.
This makes his story highly relevant in the workplace. Employees are increasingly confronted with stress, uncertainty and doubt: factors that put mental well-being under pressure, both professionally and personally.
With Joseph Oubelkas, teams gain insights into:
- what resilience looks like in practice
- why hope plays a key role in mental strength
- how inner strength can grow, even during prolonged uncertainty
- the fact that resilience is shaped by experience, not theory alone
- an authentic, human story that resonates with today’s challenges
Mental health: a challenge that can no longer be ignored
According to figures from the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV/INAMI), the number of people on long‑term sick leave for psychological reasons increased by 44% between 2018 and 2023. Securex reports that almost three in ten employees are currently at risk of burnout, with more than half a million already experiencing severe symptoms.
The question is no longer whether organisations have a role to play, but how they can support their employees in a timely and sustainable way.
My Mind Premium: more than inspiration alone
With My Mind Premium by AG your employees benefit from:
- direct access to one of the market’s most comprehensive Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
- scientifically backed pathways focusing on stress, sleep and resilience
- concrete, personalised tools to strengthen mental well-being on a daily basis
- powerful content delivered by experts and shaped by unique life experiences
The video podcast with Joseph Oubelkas is a compelling example: a story that connects, resonates and makes resilience tangible.
Did you know your employees already receive mental support?
Through My Mind by AG, AG supports employees in an accessible and confidential way with their mental well-being. This support is standard included in your AG pension and/or health insurance policies and can be accessed via the MyAG Employee Benefits app.
In practice, your employees already have access to:
- An anonymous mental check‑in: a short questionnaire offering insights into mental resilience and well-being, with personalised feedback.
- Practical self‑care programmes: scientifically validated tools and exercises on stress, sleep and resilience, tailored to individual pace.
- 24/7 professional support via Safe2Talk: a confidential helpline available day and night, staffed by experienced counsellors.
- Everything in one place: all tools easily accessible via the MyAG Employee Benefits app, alongside other benefits.
Want to know more about our well-being offer?
Your regular contact at AG Employee Benefits & Health Care will be happy to help.