Psychology Course holds XI Mental Health Fights

To discuss the historical and political process of the anti-asylum struggle, problematizing the issue of political setbacks regarding the criminalization of the use of psychoactive substances in contemporary times and its relationship with mental health. With this objective, the event "XI Struggles in Mental Health - Collective meeting on the anti-asylum struggle and the current challenges of mental health" was held on the morning of May 08th, at the Campus Brotas. The event, an initiative of the Psychology course, coordinated by Professor Renata Berenstein, featured lectures and cultural presentations attended by faculty, students and external guests.

"The idea of ​​these meetings is that they can broaden their perspective, and they don't even need to agree with what was said, but rather reflect deeply on the theories that are being put forward," said Professor Andreia Beatriz, who gave the lecture "The paths of health education." According to Professor Renata Berenstein, the discussion is gaining momentum in Bahiana, because the psychologist's role goes beyond the clinic, "their role as professionals is to think about society and understand how psychology contributes to the development of this society. What psychology has to add regarding political and ethical issues and not just within the clinic".

Psychology professor Alice Borges explains that the idea behind the meeting was also to transcend the clinical setting, connecting psychology with other fields. "As psychologists, we have responsibilities regarding care practices in these other extra-office settings that welcome people with mental health problems. So the idea is to broaden the scope of our work, understanding the complexity of the psychologist's work and their social, political and ethical responsibilities, regardless of the context in which they work," Borges points out. The program ended with a musical performance by Gustavo Mesquita, "Aquele Que Acredita," and the CAPS Band, from the Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS AD) in Pernambués. "This artistic activity is very important, because our CAPS AD users are seen from above and, when we put them on stage, we reverse that view. This has a fantastic effect on their self-esteem," says Gustavo.