ABSTRACT
Objective:
to analyze possible contributions of the theoretical reference of the Sociology of Absences; specifically, the Ecology of Knowledge, for the construction of knowledge in the field of psychiatric nursing and mental health.
Method:
qualitative study with thematic content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with mental disorders or in mental suffering, and/or their family members, who are users of the Public Defender’s Office service of the State of São Paulo in several offices throughout the state. Seven interviews were conducted with nine users of the service.
Results:
the data analysis was organized into three thematic categories: 1) conditions of existence of people who resort to the Public Defender’s Office of the State of São Paulo with mental health claim; 2) Pursuit for access to rights; and 3) Pursuit for access to justice in the Public Defender’s Office of the State of São Paulo. It is possible to identify, in the collected statements regarding mental health claims, that the institution seeks to develop a qualified listening, which allows recognizing the different conditions of existence and needs of a portion of the population that is traditionally invisible for the society: the user with a mental health claim who is a subject of rights.
Conclusion:
the results make it possible to identify that the theoretical reference proposed by the Sociology of Absences can be considered as a promising alternative to broaden the theoretical-methodological discussions to those who seek for greater acknowledgment of existence and for greater care and rights for the people with mental disorders or in psychic suffering.
DESCRIPTORS:
Mental health; Mental disorders; Right to health; Human rights; Mental health services