Occupational therapy from an ecosocial perspective of mental health

• Published in: Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional 2023, Vol.31
• Main Authors: Mansilla, Oscar Quiroz, Ojeda, Cristian Paredes, Neira, Pablo, Algado, Salvador Simó
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2526-8910; 2526-8910
• DOI: 10.1590/2526-8910.ctore257533652

Abstract It is described the experience of a therapeutic garden project located in the vicinity of the Psychiatry Service of the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital (HGGB) in Concepción, Chile, led by the Non-Governmental Organization Rebrota (ONG Rebrota) based on the ecosocial perspective applied in people with mental health needs. It aims to analyze this Eco-social Occupational Therapy experience as a practical tool for the transformation of territories, allowing occupational therapists to understand the interaction between society and nature as a socio-ecological process that impacts different spheres of human beings, especially in social participation and mental health. Using the descriptive methodology of the Eco-social Entrepreneurship Process Model, we carry out a practical orientation of actions so that communities, inserted in their natural and cultural environments, can discover themselves reflexively, generating collective health processes. Eco-social Occupational Therapy develops practices that improve health and promotes the well-being of individuals, groups and/or communities, generating a positive impact on socio-ecosystems and building healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable communities. Eco-social Occupational Therapy is an invitation to generate research-action projects to mitigate the social impact on nature in a context of the climate crisis, where we find communities in the genesis of transcultural knowledge that allows us to develop a transformative praxis for good living in tune with our environment; while improving their well-being and participation, from a human rights and occupational justice perspectives. Resumen Se describe la experiencia de un proyecto de huerta terapéutica ubicada en las inmediaciones del Servicio de psiquiatría del Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente (HGGB) de Concepción, Chile, liderada por la Organización No Gubernamental Rebrota (ONG Rebrota) en base a la perspectiva eco-social aplicada en personas con necesidades de salud mental. Se objetiva analizar la experiencia de Terapia Ocupacional Ecosocial como herramienta práctica para la transformación de los territorios, permitiendo a los terapeutas ocupacionales comprender la interacción entre la sociedad y la naturaleza como un proceso socioecológico que impacta en diferentes esferas de los seres humanos, especialmente en la participación social y la salud mental. Utilizando la metodología descriptiva del Modelo Procesal de Emprendimiento Eco-social realiza