Presentation Information
[SY-4-03]Working with indigenous communities affected by violence and displacement: the role of visual narratives in building mental health resilience
*Pablo Farias1 (1. Bats'i Lab (Mexico))
Keywords:
Community mental health,Trauma,Displacement,Resilience,Alternative mental health resources
Southern Mexico is representative of many regions of the world where cultural diversity, poverty and limited institutional health resources come together to demand innovative approaches to community mental health. This presentation explores an approach focused on assisting communities affected by violence and displacement to develop visual narratives using documentary photography. These visual narratives promote public dialogue; validate their lived experiences of trauma; generate support and solidarity; and build cross-generational dialogue that promotes social engagement.Community mental health is traditionally linked to health service institutions. In many low-income country settings, institutional health resources are absent, making traditional clinical approaches of little relevance. This is particularly the case in settings affected by violence and displacement, where mental health is challenged and resources are particularly scarce. Given these situations it is important to consider alternative approaches to mental health and wellbeing.In this presentation I explore the work of Bats'i Lab, a creative photography project in southern Mexico that has developed a set of experiences of collaboration with community-based organizations that train and support community health promoters; build social networks of support; promote human rights; and develop educational resources. This collaborative program is based on a reference collection of documentary photography that serves as a repository to generate visual narratives for communities affected by violence and displacement. By working with indigenous communities to organize public photography exhibits and dialogues, this program validates and shares their experiences and promotes solidarity.New models are needed to expand the relation of psychiatry with community-based organizations that can contribute to resiliency and mental wellbeing. Cultural psychiatry is key in advancing innovation in these contexts and promoting the development of mental health resources that respond to the needs and conditions of marginalized communities.