The experience of a mental health group for adolescents in primary health care

Abstract

Problem: Mental disorders are increasingly prevalent among adolescents, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. School is an environment where teachers, counselors, and peers can identify this suffering. Through the School Health Program, the need for intervention in promoting the mental health of adolescents in one of the schools within the territory of UBS 1 Candangolândia was identified. An interprofessional intervention was developed, which took place during the school year and is described in this article. Method: This is an account of the experience of professionals from a Basic Health Unit (Unidade Básica de Saúde – UBS) in the Distrito Federal in conducting a mental health group for adolescents in a public school. Results: The group was composed of students from the 6^th to the 9^th grade, some of whom were referred by the educational counselor, while others volunteered to participate. The group met weekly, and topics such as anxiety, family conflicts, plans for the future, and conflicts at school were addressed. Throughout the year, it was noted that some students were experiencing significant mental distress and, during one of the sessions, a screening was conducted using the PHQ-9 instrument. Through this tool, complex cases requiring individual follow-up were identified, leading to the involvement of family members and referrals for evaluation at their respective UBSs. At the end of the year, the professionals involved perceived that the work done in the group had a positive effect on the students' behavior, resulting in a decrease in demands made to the educational counselor and coordinator. Among the challenges encountered was resistance from parents and guardians to the care plan proposed by the team. Conclusion: A qualified and interprofessional listening space in the school environment allowed for addressing the students’ feelings during this phase of life, their self-perception of limitations and strengths, and facilitated closer collaboration between the UBS and the school, improving access to healthcare.