The psychologist addresses the issue of mental health during the pandemic period, the stigma inherent in men concerning psychological support, as well as promoting the need for mental health literacy.
“The most recurrent conditions among Azoreans include depression, anxiety disorders, and addictions. Social and geographical isolation are factors that precipitate and aggravate these conditions,” she says.

Correio dos Açores —The issue of raising awareness of mental health has been covered extensively during the pandemic. What is your analysis of this period, and what repercussions have there been in the post-pandemic?
Inês Martins (psychologist) – During the pandemic, there was a significant increase in demand for mental health services, a direct result of the fear of isolation, uncertainty, and constant proximity to the disease. The period of confinement has brought to the surface issues of anxiety, depression, and stress, with people facing, often for the first time, the need to talk about their mental well-being.
Post-pandemic, the impact continues to be evident. Although dialogue about mental health has increased and many have recognized the importance of self-care, there are still difficulties, especially related to prolonged isolation.
This impact is even more visible in geographically isolated areas such as the Azores, where social and geographical isolation have become factors in maintaining conditions such as depression.

Do you think there is still some stigma in society (especially among older age groups) about mental health and the use of psychological support?
In my experience, stigma concerning mental health is present in all age groups, not just the older generations. The context varies: individuals in roles of greater responsibility or more conservative family environments tend to be more resistant to seeking psychological support.
It’s important to note that, in many cases, men remain a group more vulnerable to stigma, often because they don’t recognize or feel they can’t express emotional vulnerability. This phenomenon is culturally rooted and affects all generations, making it essential to raise awareness continuously. The role of the family and the social context is vital to overcoming this barrier.

How do Azoreans deal with their mental health?
The Azorean context presents unique challenges, mainly due to geographical isolation and limited accessibility to specialized services, often requiring travel between islands. However, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health, especially since the pandemic.
Previous studies and reports from health professionals have highlighted that Azoreans still face cultural and social barriers when it comes to seeking psychological help. In my view, stigma and a lack of mental health literacy may be factors of resistance. However, in general terms, people seek psychological support more frequently than in previous years.

What are the most common mental health illnesses/conditions among Azoreans?
The most recurrent conditions among Azoreans include depression, anxiety disorders, and addictions. Social and geographical isolation, the region’s hallmarks, precipitates and aggravates these conditions.
Data shows that the Azores have one of the highest rates of depression in Portugal, and suicide is a constant concern. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), suicide rates in the Autonomous Region of the Azores are often higher than the national average, a reality associated with isolation, socio-economic difficulties, and lack of access to mental health services, especially on smaller islands.
In addition, addictions, namely alcohol and drug abuse, are also highly prevalent conditions in the Azores. These addictions are often associated with mental health problems, and alcohol abuse is culturally tolerated in some regions, which exacerbates the situation. In many cases, addiction ends up being a form of “self-medication” to deal with depression, anxiety, and isolation, for example.
The combination of these conditions creates a challenging scenario for mental health in the region, reinforcing the need for effective and accessible interventions on all the islands.

Addressing the region’s reality, how can socio-economic conditions and dependency affect people psychologically?
Socioeconomic conditions in the Azores play a significant role in the psychological impact of the population. The unemployment rate, job insecurity, and dependence on subsidies can generate a sense of powerlessness and low self-esteem, which contribute to the emergence or worsening of anxiety and depression disorders.
In addition, the geographical and social isolation of the smaller islands limits access to social support networks and mental health care, aggravating the risk of mental health deterioration. The lack of health literacy within the health system itself, with insufficient mental health prevention and promotion programs, also contributes to this vulnerability, despite the ongoing efforts of colleagues to promote health.

How can we convince more people to value mental health daily?
Promoting mental health literacy is fundamental. The population must be educated about the importance of caring for their mental health just as they care for their physical health. This can be done through educational campaigns in schools, health centers, and the media, promoting open and unprejudiced dialogue about mental health.
In the Azores, in particular, the decentralization of mental health services, with a greater presence of psychologists in the health units of the various islands, can be an effective strategy to bring mental health care closer to the most isolated populations. In addition, technologies such as online consultations, which have already proved helpful during the pandemic, should continue to be encouraged to facilitate access.

Anything you’d like to add or pass on to the readers?
I would like to reinforce that mental health is a fundamental part of our general health and should be treated with the same seriousness and respect. We all have difficult moments in life, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Psychological support is available to everyone, and it is increasingly important that everyone, regardless of age or condition, knows that there are tools and professionals ready to help. Let’s keep working to build a society where caring for our minds is a priority.

José Henrique Andrade is a journalist for the Correio dos Açores, Natlaino Viveiros, director


Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.