Mental health described by adolescents: a creative study

Abstract Introduction Based on a pluralistic conception of adolescence and the need to expand the spaces for listening to people who experience this process, there are indications in the literature about the need for studies to consider the place of speech of the adolescent population regarding mental health and the adoption of methodologies that consider them in the production of knowledge about themselves. Objective To identify the understandings of high school adolescents about mental health. Method Qualitative research, conducted with 15 high school adolescents, which used the creative method of graphic elucidation to produce data. The adolescents chose elements present in their lives to represent their perspectives on mental health. Results The participants approached mental health in a broad way, related to the feeling of well-being, the possibilities of relating and having a support network, as well as the performance of meaningful and pleasurable activities. Conclusion The results reinforce the need for a broader concept of mental health, contextualized with the needs, desires, experiences, culture and history of the subjects. In addition, they highlight the importance of investing in research strategies that guarantee the place of speech of adolescents.