Percepção de usuários do Centro de Convivência São Paulo/BH/MG sobre a inserção no trabalho formal

Abstract

The Brazilian Psychiatric Reform is marked by constant efforts from users, families, professionals, and social movements to advocate for citizenship and the rights of people with mental disorders, including the right to work. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of users of the Centro de Convivência São Paulo (CCSP) regarding their experience with formal employment in the Mental Health Users' Integration Projeto de Inserção dos Usuários de Saúde Mental no Mercado Formal de Trabalho de Belo Horizonte - MG.A qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews, supplemented by field diary records, with 10 users, consisting of 7 men and 3 women. All participants actively engage in various activities and workshops offered at CCSP. Regarding work-related actions, CCSP participates in the aforementioned project, and all participants in this study joined it, with 7 remaining and 3 withdrawing. Participants reported difficulties in reintegrating into the labor market after experiencing psychological distress, which led to the interruption of their work activities. The interviews revealed both positive and negative aspects of this integration. Positive aspects include access to employment opportunities, increased contractual power, and the possibility of new life perspectives. However, the study also revealed challenges related to working conditions and organization, particularly the lack of preparation among managers and staff to handle diversity and differences. Despite recognizing the Project as a significant step towards (re)building citizenship and, consequently, exercising the rights and duties of this population, the interviews indicate that substantial political and social effort is still needed to address the complexity and challenges of including people with mental disorders in the formal labor market.