Mental Health in Times of Crisis: A Public Health Perspective

Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17509901 60 ISRG PUBLISHERS Abbreviated Key Title: ISRG J Arts Humanit Soc Sci ISSN: 2583-7672 (Online) Journal homepage: https://isrgpublishers.com/isrgjahss Volume – III Issue -VI (November-December) 2025 Frequency: Bimonthly Mental Health in Times of Crisis: A Public Health Perspective Mario Angelo Cenedesi Júnior1*, Juliana Cascaes de Aquino Schneider1, Sheila Erika Ferro Ramalho Nobre1, Junamappe da Silva Cardoso2, Kelly Lene Lopes Calderaro1, Wagner de Aguiar Raupp1, Samuel Ribeiro Martins1, José Geraldo de Faria1, Sérgio Ernesto Raimundo Machado1, Mónica Rodrigues da Silva2, Joana Darc Ferreira da Silva1, Rosangela Sakman Gato1, César Gustavo Palomino1, Maria Cecília Merege1, Célia Fabricio de Souza Rezende1, Cristiane Karlla Mendonça Cunha1 1 Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales, Argentina 2 Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Brazil | Received: 24.06.2025 | Accepted: 02.07.2025 | Published: 03.11.2025 *Corresponding author: Mario Angelo Cenedesi Júnior Associate Profesor at Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales, Argentina Introduction Mental health has taken on a central role in public health discussions, especially in the face of the multiple global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and social instabilities. These adversities amplify risk factors for the development of mental disorders, impacting the population’s quality of life and requiring urgent and integrated responses from health systems (Cenedesi Júnior, 2023; Minayo, 2020). The increase in cases of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress Abstract Mental health has taken on a central role in public health discussions, especially in the face of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and social instability. These adversities intensify risk factors for mental disorders, demanding urgent and integrated responses from health systems. This essay presents a critical and integrative review of the current scientific literature, focusing on the Brazilian public health context and its psychosocial challenges. It addresses the fragility of the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), the impact of precarious work, stigma, the overload of CAPS, and the need to promote equity in care. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations and the mental health of frontline professionals. The study concludes by highlighting the necessity of intersectoral strategies, user participation, and the strengthening of public mental health policies to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable care in times of crisis. Keywords: mental health, public health, crisis, psychosocial care, social determinants. Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17509901 61 reflects the urgent need for effective and comprehensive public policies. Furthermore, psychological suffering during crises reveals the close relationship between social determinants of health and mental health. Factors such as economic precariousness, social isolation, insecurity, and social vulnerability are recognized as potent triggers or aggravators of mental disorders. This requires a broadened and intersectoral approach in public health (Cavalcante, Souza & Oliveira, 2021; Gonçalves & Araújo, 2020). Mental health cannot be dissociated from the social conditions in which people live. Finally, crises expose and reinforce historical inequalities in mental health, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and populations living in poverty. Therefore, addressing mental health in times of crisis requires promoting equity in access and in the quality of public services, respecting the cultural and social specificities of affected populations (Saraceno, 2020; Silva & Souza, 2021). Methodology This academic essay is based on a critical and integrative review of current scientific literature on mental health in times of crisis, with a focus on the Brazilian public health context. National and international scientific articles of relevance were selected from databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Emphasis is given to studies by Dr. Cenedesi Júnior, who has significantly contributed to the analysis of mental health challenges in the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System) during crisis periods. Development The COVID-19 pandemic revealed structural weaknesses in the Brazilian mental health system by intensifying the population’s psychological suffering and increasing demand for specialized care. Cenedesi Júnior (2023) notes that despite SUS advancements, psychosocial care faces limitations in response capacity, requiring innovations such as telepsychology to expand service reach. The economic crisis associated with the pandemic worsened financial insecurity, a key determinant in the development of mental disorders among vulnerable groups. Cavalcante et al. (2021) highlight that job loss, decreased income, and informal employment contribute to rising stress, anxiety, and depression, underlining the need for integrated policies in health, social assistance, and labor. Precarious work conditions—marked by increased informality and reduced labor rights—negatively affect workers’ mental health. Nascimento and Ferreira (2022) emphasize that chronic stress from exhausting work hours and insecurity raises the risk of mental illness and hinders access to proper care. Regarding SUS organization, Cenedesi Júnior (2024) analyzes that the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) suffers from financial shortages, lack of specialized professionals, and fragmented services, undermining the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of mental health care in times of crisis. Stigma surrounding mental disorders remains a major barrier to access and treatment adherence. Saraceno (2020) underscores the importance of anti-stigma strategies to expand care reception and improve therapeutic outcomes, promoting users' social inclusion. Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), central to the SUS mental health policy, face overload and structural limitations that compromise care quality. Cavalcante et al. (2021) call for urgent investments to ensure the sustainability of these services and guarantee continuous and quality care. Mental health promotion through community actions and the strengthening of social support networks proves fundamental for preventing psychological distress and supporting individuals in crisis (Nascimento & Ferreira, 2022). Such practices must be integrated into public policies to foster more humane care. Vulnerable groups—such as women, children, adolescents, and the elderly—require differentiated attention due to their greater susceptibility to the impacts of crises. Cenedesi Júnior (2023) stresses that specific policies are needed to address the unique demands of these groups, ensuring equity and effective care. Violence, both domestic and urban, intensified during crises, is a significant aggravating factor for mental health. Saraceno (2020) recommends coordination between health, public security, and social assistance services for comprehensive responses to such situations. Mental health among frontline professionals during crises also deserves special attention. Freitas and Guimarães (2020) discuss the impact of stress and psychological exhaustion on these workers and propose psychological support policies and improvements in working conditions to prevent mental illness. Active participation of users in the formulation and implementation of mental health care is essential for humanizing services. Nascimento and Ferreira (2022) highlight that patient protagonism promotes better treatment adherence and contributes to the construction of more effective public policies. Finally, Cenedesi Júnior (2024) reinforces that mental health policies must align with the social determinants of health, promoting an integrated approach that supports equity, social inclusion, and the sustainability of the system—especially in times of crisis. Conclusion Mental health care in times of crisis demands a broad and integrated perspective capable of responding to the complex demands imposed by pandemics, economic downturns, and aggravating social factors. Strengthening the SUS through investment in the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), professional training, and the incorporation of technologies such as telepsychology is essential to expand access and ensure quality of care (Cenedesi Júnior, 2023; 2024). Moreover, overcoming inequalities, combating stigma, and promoting user participation are key elements to ensure that mental health is addressed as a social right and a public policy priority. Intersectoral coordination and attention to vulnerable populations must guide public health strategies to face current and future challenges with equity and effectiveness. References 1. Cavalcante, F. L., Souza, M. C., & Oliveira, R. P. (2021). Impactos socioeconômicos da pandemia na saúde mental da população brasileira. Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria, 70(3), 146–154. https://doi.org/10.1590/00472085000000314 Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17509901 62 2. Cenedesi Júnior, M. A. (2023). Saúde mental e pandemia: desafios e perspectivas no contexto da saúde pública brasileira. Revista Brasileira de Saúde Pública, 57, e2022025. https://doi.org/10.1590/S00348910.2023572022025 3. Cenedesi Júnior, M. A. (2024). Desafios da rede de atenção psicossocial em tempos de crise: uma análise do SUS. Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 40(1), e00123423. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00123423 4. Freitas, L. R., & Guimarães, J. L. (2020). 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