Transtornos mentais e pessoas em situação de rua: do abuso de substâncias as tentativas de suicídio a suas percepções sobre as redes de apoio

Abstract

Objective: to study how the homeless population of Joinville-SC - and with mental disorders - deals with issues such as treatment of the disorder, use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, and their experiences and support networks aimed at them. Method: Testimonies were collected against the initial question: How do you deal with mental disorders; like depression, anxiety and others? The testimonies were transcribed and a qualitative approach was used in their analysis, aiming to identify the participants' conceptions such as beliefs, values, motivations and attitudes. Results: The results came from 5 participants (all men) who met the criteria established by the research: patients with a mental disorder with diagnostic proof; clearly in the testimonies and that they translated. Issues related to being depressed and going to live on the street, understanding that they are sick and not “addicted”, frustrating experiences in shelters for them and even attempted suicide were present in the speeches. Conclusion: The mental health of homeless people needs to be better worked through the qualification of existing support networks to provide more effective mental health care.