On the third day, the participants of the CADIS Conference explored issues related to mental health intervention in disasters at the community level, thanks to the facilitation of Lisa Anna Gayoles, a psychologist specializing in social behavior, counseling, and psychological assessment.
The focus was on understanding the importance of mental health in ordinary contexts, but especially in situations of acute vulnerability. Mental health is as important as physical health.
The session was enlivened by a series of surveys administered to participants on their level of resilience and mental health. These are tools used in field studies to assess the psychosocial needs of people affected by disasters or traumatic events.
The afternoon session continued with an in-depth discussion on recognizing certain mental disorders, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and suicide symptoms, continuing with an analysis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In all cases, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms and act in time to avoid irreparable consequences. Because it is possible to intervene in mental disorders. One of the keys to overcoming mental disorders is resilience: the more resilient you are, the faster you recover.
The intense day continued with a brainstorming session on the upcoming CADIS tenth anniversary. 2025 will be the tenth year of the establishment of CADIS International and participants shared ideas, programs, and training to be carried out together.
Finally, Gabriel Anderson, MI, and Junior Moreira, MI, from CADIS Brazil, opened the session dedicated to sharing best practices of Laudato Si' in our institutional ministry.
The Camillian Province of Brazil, aware of its vocation to evangelization and humanization in the world of health, is called to promote the integral health of human beings. From September 2023 to September 2024, they joined Pope Francis to experience a privileged time of conversion, awareness, lifestyle change, and care for Planet Earth, called the Camillian Year of Laudato Si'.
Each month, religious, seminarians, employees, and Brazilian laypeople were called to reflect on themes related to the care of our common home. During the Year of Laudato Si', various initiatives and achievements of ecological awareness and actions for the care of our planet took place in Camillian communities and hospitals.
There are many future projects, such as the proper disposal of waste, the reduction of plastic materials in homes and hospitals, meetings and events, the expansion of the implementation of renewable energies, and sustainable purchasing with companies committed to environmental causes.
Naturally, the project will continue, with particular attention to Laudato Si' Week in May, and from September 1st to October 4th, a time of prayer and care for Creation will be observed.
