Intraventricular rupture of brain abscess: A two-center observational cohort study.

The growing prevalence of mental disorders worldwide has placed significant pressure on health systems, highlighting the disparity between the demand for specialized services and the availability of adequate care (). The impacts of these conditions are wide-ranging and complex, affecting not only individuals but also their families and communities (). People experiencing mental health problems often face difficulties in several areas of life, including work, education, and interpersonal relationships. They are also at increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity (, ). According to the World Health Organization, only a small proportion of individuals with mental health conditions receive adequate treatment, often due to limited professional training and the absence of clear care strategies. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Brazil, the treatment gap is particularly severe, with estimates indicating that between 76% and 85% of individuals with severe mental health conditions receive no form of treatment (, ). Misinformation regarding appropriate mental health support practices may lead to inadequate interventions or neglect, further exacerbating the suffering of individuals at risk of mental illness (). Limited knowledge regarding how to support individuals with mental health problems represents a significant public health concern affecting both people living with these conditions and the communities in which they live. Insufficient technical and educational training—both within health institutions and among the general population—may contribute to stigma and prejudice, making access to appropriate care more difficult (–). When individuals do not understand the nature of mental health problems, they may adopt inappropriate attitudes, such as blaming people for their condition or minimizing the severity of their symptoms (). As a result, stigma and discrimination continue to persist in many societies, preventing individuals from seeking help due to fear of judgment and social exclusion. The stigma associated with mental health conditions remains one of the main barriers to accessing adequate care (). In this context, educational strategies and training programs play an important role in promoting a culture of empathy and evidence-based support for individuals experiencing psychological distress. Studies suggest that educational interventions, including mental health training for lay populations, may reduce stigma and improve the ability to identify and respond early to mental health crises (–). Therefore, investing in education and awareness initiatives is essential for building a more inclusive society prepared to provide effective support to people experiencing mental health problems. As such, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was developed in Australia in 2000 with the aim of training members of the general public to provide initial support to individuals experiencing mental health problems or crises (). MHFA is an educational approach designed to teach individuals how to recognize signs of mental health problems or crises in others and how to provide initial support and guidance until appropriate professional help is obtained or the crisis is resolved (). It encompasses assisting individuals who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing worsening symptoms, or undergoing a mental health crisis. The guidelines aim to teach people how to identify early signs and symptoms of mental health conditions or crises, provide immediate support, and encourage individuals to seek appropriate professional treatment. MHFA has been adapted for different populations and contexts, including adolescents, young adults, older adults, Aboriginal peoples, higher education students, financial advisors, and pharmacists, among others (). Part of the initiative consists of guidelines developed through a Delphi consensus process involving people with lived experience and mental health professionals with expertise in the field. These guidelines address mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol-related problems, and crisis situations () (). They are intended to provide evidence- and consensus-based recommendations regarding how members of the general public can recognize mental health problems, approach individuals in distress, offer initial support, and encourage appropriate professional help-seeking. The guidelines are culturally adaptable and have been translated and modified for use across different countries and sociocultural contexts. They also serve as a conceptual and practical foundation for MHFA-informed educational and training programs, guiding both the educational content and the supportive actions addressed during training activities.