Psicologia e literacia emsaúde mental : uma contribuição no autocuidado e na promoção de saúde de enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem

Abstract

Nursing is considered the largest workforce in the Brazilian public health system. Caring for and promoting their mental health is necessary due to the risks of mental illness due to the nature of the services provided, added to new challenges imposed by the recent Covid-19 Pandemic. Given this scenario, this study sought to analyze interrelationships between Mental Health Literacy (MSL) and Psychology in the self-care of Nursing Technicians and Nurses. This was a qualitative and exploratory study, based on a focus group of nurses and nursing technicians. Regarding the nature of the research, it was characterized as applied, supported by intervention research. The instruments used were two questionnaires with open questions, one at the beginning and another at the end of the research. Five face-to-face meetings were also held, supported by the stages of MHL and group psychological interventions, with a sample of 09 participants, nurses and nursing technicians. As a reference for analysis, the study was based on content analysis, transforming the raw data into thematic analysis and organizing them into categories, defined a posteriori, namely: 1) the importance of seeking to understand one's own positive mental health: a look at oneself; 2) the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of the onset and development of mental illness and its treatments; 3) the stigmas and prejudices related to mental health and ways to overcome them; 4) risk and protective factors in mental health; and, 5) the promotion and development of skills and abilities in seeking help. Finally, it was found that LSM combined with Psychology contributes significantly to self-care, improving LSM levels, collaborating with changes in the routine of life and work of professionals and enabling greater autonomy and effectiveness of health processes, promoting spaces for self-care and well-being. When going through the steps of LSM and its contributions to self-care, SM+ and the well-being of participants, Psychology was always presented as the first and most important specialized resource in the care of SM+. There was a consensus among participants that they should seek a professional psychologist at some point in their lives and its importance. This interrelationship suggests the benefits of this dialogue, as a facilitator in the construction of positive bonds in the self-care of these professionals. Awareness of the importance of self care, overcoming stigmas and prejudices, seeking autonomy in relation to one's own health and the quality of adequate information when seeking specialized help proved to be important factors in the decision to take care of oneself, which also, as identified, contributes to caring for others, an essential dimension of the professional practice of nurses and nursing technicians. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]