Desestigmatización de la Salud Mental para promover el bienestar integral en usuarios de Centro de Salud

Abstract

This study focuses on systematizing the experience of destigmatizing mental health through a cognitive-behavioral approach to promote the overall well-being of users of a health center in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during the period from May to August 2025. The objective is to document and analyze the processes of stigma that act as barriers to access to psychological services, identifying persistent cognitive distortions and evasive behaviors to generate knowledge about how interventions that include cognitive restructuring and psychoeducation promote comprehensive well-being. A qualitative methodology with a descriptive and interpretive approach was used, guided by initial objectives, applied in psychoeducational sessions in the health center's waiting rooms. The results showed that the cognitive-behavioral approach allows irrational beliefs to be modified effectively, improving users' willingness to engage in self-care. This knowledge can be applied in future clinical practices to optimize mental health promotion strategies in primary care, helping psychology professionals to implement contextualized psychoeducational modules that strengthen inclusive cultures in health centers in Guayaquil.