Mental health is a topic for reflection this January

O The month of January is traditionally a time for introspection and focusing on mental health. Mental health has been increasingly discussed in our daily lives, with the aim of minimizing mental illnesses and disorders. In this context, the “White January” initiative emerged in 2023, dedicated to promoting the mental health of the population.

In São Leopoldo, the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) are the main points of care for people with mental health problems. To illustrate the relevance of CAPS, in the last four months alone, 2,313 individuals sought individual care in these centers. In addition, group, family and home care are offered.

Carolina Monteiro, psychologist at the Occupational Safety and Medicine Service (SESMT) of the São Leopoldo Municipal Administration Secretariat (Semad), highlights the importance of “White January”. According to her, “it is important to highlight that ‘White January’, unlike other months, does not refer to a specific disease. Her actions seek to promote dialogue, expanding the view on mental health individually and collectively, with the aim of self-care and health promotion.”

Yves Pelegrim, psychologist at CAPS Capilé, warns that “the best ‘medicine’ to maintain good mental health is to have good relationships with people and things, and lead a balanced life. Oppressive relationships are very harmful to mental health.”

Cristina Cannas, Mental Health coordinator at the Municipal Health Department (Semsad), emphasizes that this January the Department is focused on expanding the team. “We are expanding mental health work in the territories. We will have a team of around 35 professionals, including psychologists, social workers, physical educators and psychiatrists, working together with the Basic Health Units (UBS) to improve listening and mental health care”, reveals Cristina.

The team’s expansion has as its main objective the actions of the month of May, marked by the anti-asylum struggle, which fights for the rights of people with mental suffering. And also for the actions of the month of September, widely known for suicide prevention.

White January Booklet, in PDF

Server Health

The São Leopoldo Municipal Administration Secretariat (Semad) has the Occupational Safety and Medicine Service (SESMT), which promotes actions to prevent mental health problems among municipal public servants throughout the year.

Rafael Forneck, secretary of Semad and responsible for SESMT, talks about the importance of the topic. “Here at the Secretariat, we are very concerned about the mental health of employees. We have a psychologist available to employees, but we always seek prevention. It is necessary for everyone to have time for themselves, outside of the work environment, where they can practice their exercises, their hobbies, and understand that it is often necessary to accept life’s circumstances so that there are no disappointments due to unattainable expectations”, highlights Rafael.