Social representation of users of a Psychosocial Care Center and those in their social network on mental illness and social inclusion

Abstract

By living in the community, people with mental health problems face the challenge of building their social inclusion. This study aims to identify and analyze the conceptions expressed by the interviewees about social inclusion and mental illness. The research methodology used was the qualitative approach. The subjects in this investigation were people with mental health problems, users of a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) and people in their social network. For the data gathering, semi-structured interviews were conducted and discourse analysis was used for examining the data, allowing reflection on the conditions of production and for the meanings of the texts to be grasped. The interviewees' perception of social inclusion is in accordance with the literature, valuing aspects such as work, education, income, empowerment and being accepted in their differences. However, the community shows negative association in relation with mental illness, which are introjected by people over time. The asylum model helped to build the idea that the people with mental health problems are dangerous, incapable and must be excluded. Thus, people with mental health problems face prejudice and discrimination that makes the process of their social inclusion difficult. In this context, it is necessary to deal with the cultural inheritance that establishes the concept that they must be feared and excluded. Advances in conceptions of social inclusion are a strong ally in transforming conceptions of mental illness, since social inclusion assumes an inclusive society for all, without exceptions.