MENTAL HEALTHY

Taking Care of Mental Health

The importance of mental health is universal and becomes even more crucial when it comes to immigrants and refugees who face the arduous task of adapting to a new country. Mental health plays a fundamental role in the quality of life and well-being of these individuals, as it directly impacts their emotional balance, ability to cope with challenges, and full integration into the host society. Here are some tips on how to maintain your emotional well-being.

1. Seek emotional support: It is essential to find support networks such as community organizations, support groups, or assistance centers that can provide emotional support and guidance during the process of adaptation and integration.


2. Stay connected to your culture of origin: Value your cultural identity and stay connected to your community of origin. Participating in cultural events, traditional activities, and meeting people who share your culture can help strengthen your mental health.


3. Learn the local language: Mastering the local language, such as Portuguese in the case of Brazil, is essential for communication and full engagement in the new society. Learning the language will open up opportunities for employment, education, and social interaction, facilitating integration and reducing isolation.


4. Create a daily routine: Establish a healthy daily routine with schedules for work, study, leisure, and rest. Having structure helps maintain emotional stability and a sense of control over life.


5. Take care of your physical health: Good physical health is directly related to mental health. Prioritize a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and undergo regular medical check-ups. Physical self-care contributes to emotional well-being.


6. Find activities that bring pleasure: Discover hobbies and activities that bring you joy and personal satisfaction. It could be sports, art, music, cooking, or any other activity that sparks your interest. Having moments of pleasure and relaxation is important for mental health.


7. Seek professional support: If you are facing significant emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, consider seeking professional help. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers specialized in mental health can provide the necessary support and help you overcome emotional challenges.


8. Learn about your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as an immigrant or refugee in Brazil. Understand immigration laws, labor rights, access to health services, and other policies that may affect your life. This will help strengthen your confidence and ability to deal with potential obstacles.

Remember that these tips are only general guidelines, and each person may have specific needs. It is important to always seek professional support and guidance to address mental health issues in an individualized manner.

Free Psychological Services

The Unified Health System (SUS) provides free psychological services. Psychological services can be obtained at Basic Health Units, which have mental health professionals on their teams. In more severe cases, they can be accessed at CAPS (Psychosocial Care Centers). CAPS are units that provide community-based health services and are composed of a multidisciplinary team.