Abstract
Challenges related to deinstitutionalization and to reconstruction of the life from individuals who lived decades in the insane asylum and are now in the city are discussed in this article, giving priority to the reflections of mental health users. This is a qualitative research carried out through in-depth interviews with individuals who have a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental disorder. The interpretation of the empirical material, developed through thematic analysis, shows several resources that are available for the psychosocial rehabilitation process. However, the lack of spaces for individuals to develop their disassociation from the hospital and to appropriate the resources that are now available to them, the limited social network and the non-participation in treatment are also important limitations highlighted. It is important to note that contemporary society, marked by reduced community ties imposes hard work of psychosocial sustentation to ensure the subjects transported from asylums to new environments can recognize themselves as belonging to such places.
Keywords:
mental disorders; mental health; psychiatric deinstitutionalization; psychiatric reform; psychosocial rehabilitation