Promotion of mental health by attention to everyday life: an extension project experience

Abstract

In the context of increases of psychological suffering, including in the academic environment, the biomedical model and the medicalization of human pain are ineffective. In order to address this challenge, and given the interest in undertaking an action based on the humanization of mental health care, the “Mining of Daily Life” extension project was created at the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM). The objective was to organize discussion groups to relate experiences and promote mental health care for the population of Diamantina (Minas Gerais state), covering the university and external communities. The approach adopted was based on Phenomenology, since it enables value to be given, and attention paid, to everyday events, as a care strategy. The methodology was inspired by the “Ribeirão Preto Community Mental Health Program” and the “Integrated Community Therapy” action. All the meetings were open, with voluntary participation, and included the sharing of cultural elements recognized as pleasant, as well as events in daily life considered significant. During 15 months, 43 meetings were held: 23 at the two psychosocial care centers (CAPS) in the city, 2 at other health institutions, and 18 at UFVJM, totaling 1001 participants. The goals of the work were met and exceeded. The reports of the undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in the work, together with the feedback from the participants, indicated the relevance of the initiative for raising awareness regarding the processes of personal and interpersonal care. Valuing the beauty and richness of everyday life favors the commitment to caring for others and oneself, and can contribute to the training of future professionals to recognize that everyone has skills, difficulties, suffering, and resilience.