Atuação de psicólogos em Minas Gerais durante a pandemia de covid-19: adaptações necessárias para a prática e atenção a pessoas em função de violência autodirigida com e sem intenção suicida

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand and identify the performance of psychology professionals in the State of Minas Gerais in caring for people suffering from self-directed violence with or without suicidal intent in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the challenges imposed by the necessary adaptations to the psychological practices developed in the most accentuated phase of social isolation. 17 On-line interviews were carried out with psychologists working in the State of Minas Gerais, in the year 2023, to identify the performance of these professionals regarding the topic of self-harm and adaptations made depending on the pandemic context. The thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews described four categories : (1) Mental health and personal protection to contain the virus; (2) Adaptations for the construction and maintenance of therapeutic bonds through ICT; (3) Dealing with the unknown situation in the pandemic period in the private and professional life.(4) Reduction in the demand for care due to self-directed violence. The results of the interviews emphasize a reduction in the demand for care due to self-directed violence throughout the pandemic period. While the literature specifies that in the first period of social isolation to contain the virus like the moment of reduction in this demand, followed by increases that exceed the previous increasing trend. Furthermore, the literature points to the benefits associated with the use of online services in psychology. But highlights the absence of ethical discussions about this type of service, consistent fact found in this research, given the absence of this discussion about this theme in the interviewed reports.