“Mental health is just as important as physical health and we all have the right to access it, to achieve well-being and a good quality of life.” Rosario Elena Yupanqui Rosada de Landaury , Community Health Agent of the BienEstar project
Our work is a challenge every day, we go out to look for and identify possible cases and in many occasions we encounter rejection, but thanks to the constant trainings that the team gives us we know how to handle it. In addition, we can get to know the person, convey that it is good to talk and make them understand that it is totally normal to have these feelings due to the current situation.
In our work I have noticed a very marked social stigma; in addition to discrimination. I understand that many people do not seek timely care due to lack of knowledge of the disease, psychosocial fear and negative attitudes. Therefore, my work is important, because we intervene at the first instance and we are close to the population. I think I am that helping hand to clarify basic points and give them a look of positivism.
For me, empathy is a key point in this process, that stretch of being present and paying attention. Being a good listener and making clear the importance of the intervention of a mental health professional. Mental health is just as important as physical health and we all have the right to access it, to achieve wellness and a good quality of life.
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