Amazonas politicians draw attention to mental health care

Manaus (AM) — Manaus is the fourth capital in the North region with the highest number of adults who reported being diagnosed with depression, according to a study carried out by the Ministry of Health, released in 2022.

The capital accounts for 10.2% attendance in the population over 18 years of age. And it is in this scenario that the first month of the year is dedicated to the “White January” campaign, drawing attention to the mental illness of the population.

In Brazil, the campaign emerged in 2014, but in Amazonas it was established in 2018, through Law No. 4,645/2018, authored by then deputy Luiz Castro. The Legislative Assembly of Amazonas (Aleam), last year, reinforced the production of Laws on the subject, seeking to contribute to carrying out educational actions for the dissemination of mental health in the State, as well as raising awareness among the population regarding the value of preventing depression and anxiety.

Law No. 6,383/2023, authored by the president of the Legislative Branch, deputy Roberto Cidade (UB), deals with occupational health care for education professionals in the state education network. Based on this Law, the state government must carry out a survey of the working conditions of teachers in the state education network with a view to detecting occupational risks, in addition to promoting assistance with health professionals to correct and prevent harmful practices.

“This Law aims precisely to take care of our teachers so that they have a favorable work environment and can carry out their noble activity with dignity”,

highlights City.

Mental health in educational institutions in Amazonas was also the target of Law No. 6,527/2023, with a view to the psychological well-being of students and employees, preventing mental illness and improving school performance.

Law No. 6,429/2023 establishes the anxiety prevention and treatment campaign in the State, with the aim of promoting mental health and preventing the emergence or worsening of anxiety disorders. Both are authored by Congresswoman Mayra Dias (Avante), also author of Law No. 6,503/2023, which provides for the implementation of the Psychological Assistance Program for Victims of Sexual Violence.

Legislation No. 6,576/2023, by deputies Joana Darc (UB) and Comandante Dan (Podemos), establishes the State Week in Support of Police Mental Health.

“Police officers deal with real risks in their profession, so suffering and stress worsen and can trigger warning responses and even lead to death,”

points out Joana Darc, reinforcing the need for psychological attention and support for this professional category.

Campaign relevance

At the Manaus City Council (CMM), councilors defend the importance of mental health care and awareness of diseases, such as anxiety, depression and panic syndrome.

União Brasil councilor, Everton Assis, highlights the need to debate the subject and, especially, demystify the subject.

For the 2nd vice-president of the CMM, the campaign is an ally to raise awareness about themes (which are often controversial) as well as being an excellent opportunity for many people to seek help.

“Psychological illnesses are very serious and talking about them means helping those in need. For many, it is not easy to admit that they have mental problems, as there is still a lot of prejudice or unworthiness. Having a campaign like White January in the media is extremely positive, as it encourages people to talk about the subject”,

said the councilor.

Councilor Joelson Silva (no party) draws the attention of people, institutions and authorities to the needs related to mental health and respect for each person’s psychological condition.

For Joelson Silva, mental health should be a topic discussed throughout the year. “White January comes to demystify, bring information, break taboos and many prejudices that people with disorders still face today”, he commented.

Psychologist Sandra Reis emphasized the importance of combining physical activities with therapy. For her, it is essential to organize time to take care of these two fields.

“Sleeping well, eating better, practicing physical exercise can add and improve mental health. We know that many people’s week is busy, but it is essential to organize ourselves to be able to take care of our mind”,

pointed.

White January

The campaign began in 2014, in the city of Uberlândia (MG) and its creator was psychologist Leonardo Abrahão. The month was chosen because it represents the beginning of a new cycle, a period in which people are more willing to reflect on their lives, goals and social relationships.

The color white is associated with a blank sheet of paper, allowing everyone to be inspired, write or rewrite their own life stories.

One of the speakers, psychology student João França, explains that people tend to start the year and plan their future actions.

“The color white actually represents a blank slate. We define goals and dreams, and each stroke we make represents an action in this new framework. Maintaining mental health throughout the year is difficult, but fundamental in this process”,

explained João França, psychology student.

*With information from consultancy

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