Percepción sobre salud mental de los habitantes del Municipio de Sahagún, Córdoba, Colombia

Introduction: The perception of mental health is a complex process that includes the subjective interpretation of people's emotional and psychological health and in which cognitive, emotional, and social factors intervene. Methodology: the general objective was to analyze the perception of mental health. mental health of the inhabitants of the municipality of Sahagún, Córdoba, Colombia. A qualitative study was designed and implemented, in which 20 open semi-structured interviews were carried out. The selection of participants was carried out considering membership criteria. Results: The results of the women revealed the following emerging categories: well-being, personal and emotional problems and mental illness; In the case of men, the emerging categories were well-being and mental health difficulties; not many differences were found according to age, given that the three age groups associate mental health with mental health difficulties and well-being. Discussion: Perceptions about mental health are related to susceptibility to illness, severity of illness, barriers to accessing mental health services, and perceived benefits. Conclusion: This study adds value to the field of mental health by offering an understanding of the perceptions and needs of the population.