A intersecção entre saúde mental, cultura e arte: concepções e práticas de usuários e profissionais de um Centro de Convivência e Cultura

Abstract

This is a case study, with a qualitative approach that aims to understand the conceptions and practices of users and professionals of a community and cultural center about the intersection between mental health, culture and art. Nine professionals and five guests from CECCO in Natal/RN participated in the study, who responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. The research subjects were mostly women, with an average age of 37.3 years. Among the professionals, there was a predominance of psychologists who had worked in the service, on average, for one year and two months. Among the guests, the service experience was four years. The statements were analyzed from the perspective of Content Analysis and allowed the creation of 2 thematic categories: I- Art, Culture and Mental Health; II- Mental health beyond medicalization. It is concluded that art and culture are important tools in mental health care. However, it would suggest better investments by the public network in the Community and Culture Center.