Mental health work with people affected by state terrorism in Uruguay

Abstract

In this personal re£ection, the author describes her mental health work and experience with people who have suiered from the political violence that occurred during the dictatorship in Uruguay, 1973 ^ 1985. She presents a personal account of the socio-political processes and her experience as a psychotherapist, from then until today.The author argues that the psychosocial trauma that has been in£icted by the state cannot be healed by only ‘mental health’ work, as the process for reparation and justice in Uruguay has been very slow and painful. Furthermore, she has observed that the impunity granted perpetrators may re-victimise survivors, and further damage their mental health. Psychological work with people aiected by state terrorism requires interdisciplinary analysis and, as the author argues, mental health professionals should join in the struggles of their patients. In Uruguay, as elsewhere in Latin America, psychotherapists have formed organisations to assist the survivors, and raised their voice within the public discourse. This has contributed to breaking the silence surrounding events, and has helped to come to terms with the psychological eiects of state organised violence. In her work, the author has learned the importance of exchange of information between colleagues, including colleagues from other countries.