1. What is mental health?
According to the psychoanalytic perspective, mental health refers not only to the absence of symptoms, but to the subject's ability to deal with internal conflicts in an adaptive and productive way. It involves the ability to function on a daily basis, establish satisfactory interpersonal relationships and find meaning in life, in addition to dealing with demands and challenges in a balanced way.
2. How to identify mental health problems?
To identify mental health problems, Psychoanalysis relies on reading signs and symptoms such as changes in mood, behavior or thoughts; Social isolation, extreme mood swings, constant difficulties at work/school or in relationships, obsessive thoughts or self-destructive behaviors may indicate the need for professional evaluation. Additionally, repetitive patterns of behavior or relationships may indicate unresolved unconscious conflicts.
3. What are the main mental health disorders?
The main disorders include:
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- Eating disorders,
- Phobias,
- Personality disorders and;
- Dissociative disorders.
In psychoanalysis, these disorders are seen as symbolic manifestations of psychic conflicts and unresolved traumatic experiences.
4. What habits impact mental health?
Habits that impact mental health include:
- Defense mechanisms: such as repression and denial, which can prevent the adequate confrontation of internal conflicts.
- Inadequate sleep patterns,
- Unbalanced diet,
- Lack of physical exercise,
- Excessive use of substances such as alcohol and drugs,
- Social isolation and constant stress: can be considered both as patterns that negatively impact the subject's mental health, as well as signs of unresolved psychological conflicts.
5. What can we do to take care of our mental health?
To take care of mental health, psychoanalysis emphasizes the importance of self-exploration and the analysis of unconscious mental processes.
This can be achieved through psychoanalytic psychotherapy, where the patient is encouraged to explore their desires, fears and repetitive behavior patterns.
At the same time, it is important to seek social support, practice activities that promote relaxation, maintain a balanced routine and seek professional help when necessary.
6. What are the support channels if warning signs of mental health problems are identified?
For those seeking support from a psychoanalytic perspective, professionals such as psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic psychotherapists offer a safe space to explore emotional and mental issues.
There are also several support channels available, such as individual or group psychotherapy, psychiatrists to prescribe medication when necessary, psychological emergency services (such as emotional support lines), and community programs that promote mental well-being.
In the psychoanalytic approach, understanding the dynamics of unconscious mental processes and the influence of childhood experiences on personality formation are fundamental to the treatment and promotion of mental health throughout life.
It is important to remember that each person is unique and may respond differently to mental health challenges, as well as different treatment approaches, and consultation with qualified professionals is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.








