Art as a resource to fight psychophobia: experience report about the workshop "Anti-Asylum Movement Journey"

Abstract

The Brazilian anti-asylum movement has been intertwined with art over the decades, influencing the transformation of psychiatric care and psychosocial imaginary. However, the replacement of asylums with freedom-oriented care is jeopardized if there are no professionals who are part of and advocate for humanitarian mental health care. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to incorporate these themes into the education of future doctors. Thus, the report describes the realization of the “Anti-Asylum Movement Journey” at a private medical school, a workshop which took place on May 18th, National Anti-Asylum Day. It included a poetic soirée, an exploration of the history of art related to mental health, and creative proposals to engage users of the psychosocial care network. The event aims to recall the history of the anti-asylum struggle and reaffirm its necessity, utilizing art as the primary tool to explore ethics and policies that ensure visibility, inclusion, and assistance for mental health patients in their environment. As a result, participants learned the importance and methods of using art in healthcare, preparing them for a more sensitive, critical and politically engaged medical practice. The event also destigmatized and humanized the perception of mental illness in a strictly academic environment.