A DOR INVISÍVEL: DESAFIOS NO RECONHECIMENTO DA SAÚDE MENTAL EM AMBULATÓRIOS DE CLÍNICA GERAL

This article examines the challenges faced by primary health care professionals in recognizing and managing cases of psychological distress in general outpatient clinics. Although mental health has gained visibility in institutional agendas, its integration into general clinical practice remains limited due to technical, symbolic, and systemic barriers. The invisibility of emotional suffering, the biomedical training focused on objective signs, and the high patient load hinder qualified listening and appropriate referrals. The study proposes a reflection on more sensitive and integrated practices between mental health and primary care.