XII Mental Health Struggles debates psychiatric reform and care in freedom in Salvador

The Psychology course held the event “Struggles in Mental Health: 25 Years of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform – Between Advances, Impasses, and Reinventions of Care” on May 14th at the Campus. BrotasThe academic and scientific initiative brought together students, professors, and health professionals to discuss topics related to the anti-asylum movement, the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), and public policies for mental health care, in accordance with the principles of the SUS (Unified Health System) and SUAS (Unified Social Assistance System).

The program included thematic panels, cultural presentations, and participation from representatives of mental health and social assistance services. During the panel “Clinical Practice, Subjectivity, and Social Markers: Who is Being Cared For?”, Professor Gabriela Silva highlighted the importance of discussing mental health from the perspective of the country's structural inequalities. According to the professor, “issues such as racism, patriarchy, and social inequality directly impact care policies and need to be considered in the construction of more humanized and inclusive practices.”

The students also emphasized the importance of critical thinking training in the field. Maíra Breuss, a second-semester Psychology student, stated that "debates on ethnic-racial relations strengthen the training of future professionals who are more aware of Brazilian reality." Davi Umbelino de Souza, a first-semester student, highlighted that "discussing mental health and diversity broadens the capacity of psychologists to act in the face of the different experiences and social contexts of the population." The event concluded with a cultural presentation by the CAPS Aristides Novis Band, as well as a small fair featuring initiatives related to mental health and social inclusion.