We research to better understand how mental-health conditions are experienced in community contexts and how services can better respond to those realities.
Researchers: Alejandra Paniagua-Ávila (doctoral dissertation) and Diego Sapalú (community researcher).
Objective: To understand how anxiety, depression, and trauma are lived in community contexts, and how health services can better respond to these realities.
Scarcity of resources in mental-health services.
Stigma and misinformation affect people with mental-health conditions.
There is great community potential through families and traditional providers.
Need for integration between primary health services and community resources.
Active participation of affected populations is critical.
First implementation plan to integrate mental-health services into primary care in Guatemala, plus the development of recovery and inclusion initiatives for severe conditions such as schizophrenia.
Focus: To understand experiences of schizophrenia in local communities.
Methodology: Participatory studies incorporating perspectives from people with schizophrenia, families, community leaders, and health providers.
Identify real needs and existing resources.
Document gaps in care and support.
Design culturally sensitive, effective, and sustainable programs.
Holistic recovery is valued beyond symptom management.
Families are the primary support but are often overwhelmed.
There is untapped potential of local resources.
Existing barriers: stigma, lack of knowledge, financial limitations.
There is community willingness to participate and learn.
Each year we welcome thesis proposals, academic projects, and collaborations.
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