SAÚDE MENTAL NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE NO PÓS-PANDEMIA

This study aimed to analyze the mental health demands recognized by professionals in Primary Health Care at this level of care, related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its post-pandemic developments. The study was conducted in a medium-sized city located in the South of Brazil. A mixed-method approach was used, with a quantitative phase in which 52 PHC professionals answered a questionnaire. In the qualitative phase, six psychologists from e-Multi were interviewed, and a document analysis was conducted. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The results indicate that health professionals have observed quantitative and qualitative variations in the mental health demands presented by users. Among the most observed complaints and symptoms are anxiety, fatigue, grief, social isolation, sadness, and economic difficulties. An increase in the number of users seeking PHC for mental health demands in all age groups was also observed, with a particular emphasis on young adults and adolescents. Most professionals indicate that they do not feel theoretically and technically prepared to meet the new mental health demands and that they do not have institutional support for this. A comprehensive response is needed to address the growing mental health demands in the post-pandemic context. Access to quality mental health services, as well as to specialized services, needs to be expanded, with a particular focus on preventive interventions and psychosocial support.