The New Acropolis Organization, at the invitation of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Federal District and Territories (MPDFT), held a lecture on mental health for employees of the Federal District (DF) Prison System (Brazil). The event was held in the auditorium of the Federal District Penitentiary II (PDF II) and brought together prison officers, social workers and health professionals. The objective was to reflect on caring for mental and emotional well-being, considering the challenges faced in the exercise of their functions and also on a personal level. n3b3d

Professor Graziele Santoro led the discussion and addressed the importance of mental health in the various contexts in which public servants are inserted. In addition, the lecture discussed strategies for self-care, stress management and the promotion of a healthier and more balanced environment, both for professionals and for the people with whom they interact in their daily lives.

“We live in a culture of stress, rushing, and competition,” Graziele points out. “However, Philosophy teaches us that, far beyond these external pursuits, life is about being consistent with our best. We can transform the way we live if we commit to learning, reflecting, and growing. And it is this positioning that allows us to face problems with much more resilience and health.”

For the event participants, the topic was highly relevant and timely to the context of the workers. Psychologist Neusa Mara considers this type of activity essential for those who work in the prison system. Marta Rodriges, a social worker at PDF II, said that she took the teachings into her daily life and sees the lecture as a form of prevention. Finally, Ana Paula de Melo Dias, a physician, believes that mental health should be a key pedagogical focus from the beginning of these employees’ careers.

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The initiative reflects New Acropolis commitment to promoting human development and practical philosophy. The action seeks to promote reflections that contribute to improving quality of life and interpersonal relationships, especially in contexts as challenging as the Penal System.

Graziele Santoro has been a clinical psychologist for over 20 years, with training in psychosomatics, and has worked for over 10 years in organizational psychology. She has been a philosophy teacher and volunteer at the New Acropolis Organization for 25 years. Graziele teaches topics such as Ethics, Philosophy of History, Wisdom of the East, Symbolism of Civilizations, Psychology, among others. She currently also works as coordinator of New Acropolis schools in the Northeast region of the country.