Intersectoriality and reduction of stigma in mental health: The need to move towards a decolonization of institutions, from an intercultural perspective

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the implications on subjectivity and changes in daily life of those who participated as attendees at the Antistigma Conferences in the city of Concepción in Chile, a socio-educational practice, of an interinstitutional and interdisciplinary nature, whose purpose is to generate a cultural change on stigmatization in the field of mental health. A systematization of this experience is developed, emphasizing the history and the methodologies applied in it. The information for the analysis is produced through a discussion group with 14 participants. The results show that there is an impact on the subjectivity of those who provide assistance, since contact with stigmatized subjects and with their life experiences around them is encouraged. However, the transformation of practices in everyday spaces is presented as a challenge, aspects that require intersectoral efforts and an institutional framework that generates the bases and development of adequate public policies for this. In this respect, it is imperative to include decolonial and intercultural perspectives and practices in the field of mental health.